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When the Baltimore Ravens agreed to acquire star edge rusher Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders, the move immediately strengthened one of the NFL's most physical defenses. Crosby is widely regarded as one of the league's most relentless pass rushers, and his presence alone raises the ceiling for Baltimore's front seven.
But every major roster move creates ripple effects. Adding a star edge defender inevitably squeezes the depth chart. In Baltimore's case, that likely means a difficult reality for a respected veteran and a young player still searching for his footing.
For both Kyle Van Noy and David Ojabo, Crosby's arrival could signal that their time with the Ravens is nearing its end. Van Noy has served Baltimore well since arriving, bringing leadership, experience, and playoff pedigree to the defense. The two-time Super Bowl champion has also played a key role in mentoring younger pass rushers in the locker room.
Still, the NFL remains a young man's league, and Van Noy turns 35 at the end of March. If the Ravens' long-term vision involves getting younger along the edge while building around Crosby, the veteran linebacker could become one of the odd men out when free agency unfolds. The situation may be even more concerning for Ojabo. The former second-round selection hasn't seen his collegiate success consistently translate into professional production.
At the University of Michigan, Ojabo was a dominant presence. He earned Second-Team All-American honors and was named First-Team All-Big Ten during his final season. He showcased the explosive pass-rushing ability that made him such an intriguing prospect. Unfortunately, that promise has yet to materialize at the NFL level fully.
Injuries and inconsistent opportunities have limited Ojabo's development, and he has struggled to establish himself as a reliable contributor in Baltimore's pass-rushing rotation. Even before the Crosby news broke, Ojabo's future with the team appeared uncertain. Now, with one of the league's premier edge defenders entering the picture, his path to meaningful snaps or even surviving free agency becomes even more difficult to envision.
Roster construction also plays a role here. The Ravens still have other priorities to consider. The organization would rather see resources directed toward strengthening other areas. Retaining cornerstone players such as Tyler Linderbaum and safety Alohi Gilman should be at the top of Baltimore's to-do list.
In the end, Crosby's arrival makes Baltimore better today. Still, as is often the case with blockbuster moves, it may also quietly close the door for a few players who once hoped to be part of the team's future.
That's the harsh reality of building a championship roster. The Baltimore Ravens didn't make this move to win headlines in March. They made it because adding Maxx Crosby gives them a better chance to win meaningful games in January and February.
When a franchise believes its Super Bowl window is open, difficult decisions about veterans and developing players often follow. No one should be certain of anything until it happens, but the writing may be on the wall for both Ravens veteran defenders and youngsters.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens trade for Maxx Crosby puts Van Noy, Ojabo on notice
Continue reading...
But every major roster move creates ripple effects. Adding a star edge defender inevitably squeezes the depth chart. In Baltimore's case, that likely means a difficult reality for a respected veteran and a young player still searching for his footing.
The writing may be on the wall for Ravens defenders Kyle Van Noy and David Ojabo.
For both Kyle Van Noy and David Ojabo, Crosby's arrival could signal that their time with the Ravens is nearing its end. Van Noy has served Baltimore well since arriving, bringing leadership, experience, and playoff pedigree to the defense. The two-time Super Bowl champion has also played a key role in mentoring younger pass rushers in the locker room.
Still, the NFL remains a young man's league, and Van Noy turns 35 at the end of March. If the Ravens' long-term vision involves getting younger along the edge while building around Crosby, the veteran linebacker could become one of the odd men out when free agency unfolds. The situation may be even more concerning for Ojabo. The former second-round selection hasn't seen his collegiate success consistently translate into professional production.
At the University of Michigan, Ojabo was a dominant presence. He earned Second-Team All-American honors and was named First-Team All-Big Ten during his final season. He showcased the explosive pass-rushing ability that made him such an intriguing prospect. Unfortunately, that promise has yet to materialize at the NFL level fully.
Injuries and inconsistent opportunities have limited Ojabo's development, and he has struggled to establish himself as a reliable contributor in Baltimore's pass-rushing rotation. Even before the Crosby news broke, Ojabo's future with the team appeared uncertain. Now, with one of the league's premier edge defenders entering the picture, his path to meaningful snaps or even surviving free agency becomes even more difficult to envision.
Roster construction also plays a role here. The Ravens still have other priorities to consider. The organization would rather see resources directed toward strengthening other areas. Retaining cornerstone players such as Tyler Linderbaum and safety Alohi Gilman should be at the top of Baltimore's to-do list.
In the end, Crosby's arrival makes Baltimore better today. Still, as is often the case with blockbuster moves, it may also quietly close the door for a few players who once hoped to be part of the team's future.
That's the harsh reality of building a championship roster. The Baltimore Ravens didn't make this move to win headlines in March. They made it because adding Maxx Crosby gives them a better chance to win meaningful games in January and February.
When a franchise believes its Super Bowl window is open, difficult decisions about veterans and developing players often follow. No one should be certain of anything until it happens, but the writing may be on the wall for both Ravens veteran defenders and youngsters.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens trade for Maxx Crosby puts Van Noy, Ojabo on notice
Continue reading...
