Is this the year that Odafe Oweh will finally break out and live up to his status as a first-round NFL Draft pick?
Baltimore Ravens Pass Rush Coach Chuck Smith thinks so, as he predicts Oweh to become an “A-list rusher” in 2024.
Oweh has only started 13 games throughout his three-year career, with six coming in 2022. He’s also never topped five sacks in a single season.
Maybe this is the year that the 31st overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft starts stuffing stat sheets?
“He’s getting there,” Smith said after practice on Monday. “He’s going to be an A-list rusher. I’m excited for him.”
“He’s buying in, like he always has. He’s a good dude and no one deserves (more) to finally reach that pinnacle than Odafe, and I think he’s going to go 100% to reach that goal.”
Other than Rashod Bateman, no Ravens player has been under the “Is this the year he’s going to break through?” microscope more than Oweh.
On the Ravens depth chart, Oweh is currently listed as one of the two starting outside linebackers (Kyle Van Noy is the other).
Trenton Simpson is listed as the starting weakside inside linebacker (or “will position), while Roquan Smith is listed as the middle linebacker (or “mike” position)