David Ojabo discusses reuniting with Mike Macdonald in the NFL
It almost seems like fate that David Ojabo ended up with the Baltimore Ravens in the 2022 NFL Draft. Not only will he play for Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh’s brother, but he’ll also be re-joining his former defensive coordinator.
Mike Macdonald left Michigan after the season to join John Harbaugh and the Ravens in the same capacity. He worked for the Ravens from 2014 to 2020 before joining Michigan in 2021. Now, he’s heading back to Baltimore.
Meanwhile, the Ravens opted to draft Ojabo in the second round after his draft stock fell due to a torn Achilles suffered during Michigan’s Pro Day. It’s fitting Ojabo begins his NFL career with Macdonald, who helped him become a star pass rusher with 11.0 sacks for the Wolverines last season.
“It means the world,” Ojabo said about reuniting with Macdonald in 2022. “That’s just how I know it’s all part of the plan. What are the odds that the person that comes in and gives me a chance to play ultimately is the guy I’m following to the next level, as well? … It’s meant to be.”
Baltimore Ravens provide update on timetable for David Ojabo’s return to field
If not for a torn Achilles suffered on Michigan’s Pro Day, David Ojabo would’ve likely been a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Instead, he fell to the Baltimore Ravens in the second round — and they provided an update on when he can get back on the field.
Baltimore general manager Eric DeCosta, who drafted Ojabo as the No. 45 overall pick Friday night, said he thinks Ojabo can play at some point during the 2022 season. He suffered the torn Achilles on March 18, so he won’t be able to at least start the season in September. However, DeCosta said depending on what the doctors say, there’s a chance he’ll wind up seeing some NFL snaps in his rookie year.
“We rely on our doctors and trainers,” DeCosta said, via BaltimoreRavens.com’s Ryan Mink. “They haven’t seen him since the re-checks and all those things in Indy, but they’re optimistic that at some point this year he’ll have a chance to play.”
Ojabo isn’t the first Raven to have to come back from an Achilles injury. Terrell Suggs and Steve Smith Sr. both did the same thing, which is why this isn’t necessarily uncharted territory for DeCosta and the training staff.
“We’ve had multiple guys that have done it and come back with very, very predictable results,” DeCosta said. “For us, there might be a delay, but we think he’ll come back with a vengeance and play outstanding football.”