OWINGS MILLS — Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh has been one of the most impressive players during the first week of training camp.
He has consistently been in the backfield and presumably recording sacks — the players don’t make contact with the quarterbacks. The Ravens are counting on Oweh to replace some of the production of Jadaveon Clowney, who left via free agency after finishing with 9 1/2 sacks last season.
Oweh is not putting any extra pressure on himself to boost his sack total, but it’s clear he has worked hard this offseason. He is working closely with pass rush coach Chuck Smith to improve his skills.
“It’s the same mentality. You guys didn’t even know that we were going to get 60 sacks last year, so it’s just kind of the same mentality,” Oweh said. “We’re just trying to hunt. We’re going to continue to hunt [and] continue to get better under Chuck. We still have Kyle [Van Noy]. Kyle made a lot of great plays for us, as well. [I’m] very grateful [for] what Jadeveon brought and [what] he also taught me and everything, but it’s the next man up. So, we’re ready.”
Last season, Oweh appeared in 13 games after dealing with an ankle injury in Week 2 and finished with 23 tackles, 12 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and tied a career-high with five sacks. Oweh, who was selected by the Ravens 31st overall in the 2021 NFL draft, led the team with a pass rush win rate of 18.2 percent, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Ravens have confidence that Oweh can be part of their long-term plan and exercised his fifth-year option this offseason. The option will cost them a reasonable $13.3 million for 2025, according to OvertheCap.com.
So far, it appears to be a wise move.
“Odafe has looked very good, and I’m hoping that he has – I guess you’d call it a breakout year if you want to call it that [and] make those plays on the quarterback,” coach John Harbaugh said. “He had a lot of pressures last year. [He] wants to take it to the next level and go ahead and get the quarterback on the ground; I’m sure he wants to do that, and then just continue to be an explosive player. [He’s] got a unique skill set – he can move, run around, and be disruptive. That’s what I’m hoping for and expecting.”