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2021 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

By Randy Gurzi

Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Draft
Nov 28, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh (99) enters the field before the game Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Grading every rookie from the 2021 NFL Draft: Odafe Oweh, EDGE, Baltimore Ravens

2021 Stats: 

  • 33 Tackles
  • 5.0 Sacks
  • 3 Forced Fumbles

After the Buffalo Bills took Greg Rousseau, a prototypical 4-3 defensive end, the Baltimore Ravens snatched up Odafe Oweh from Penn State who just so happens to be a perfect fit as an outside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme.

Like Rousseau for the Bills, the pick also landed them a player who had some great success in year one. Oweh, however, was in a different role as he played in 15 games and had just. two starts but he proved to be a great rotational player as he picked up 33 tackles and had five sacks.

Baltimore has always done a great job drafting players who fit their scheme and then not forcing them into action right away. They eased Oweh into the job and while he was really good as a rookie, there’s reason to believe he will be even better going forward.

Had Rashod Bateman been able to stay healthy, this draft would have looked even better for the Ravens in 2021. However, they still came out looking very good and in a few more years, they could be pointing to this first round as one of their better nights — of course, it still won’t be as impressive as what they did in 2018 when they stole Lamar Jackson at 32, but they did get two key starters.

Grade: A

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