NFL Draft 2022: How Far Will Michigan Edge Rusher David Ojabo Fall on Day 2?

There were many surprises among the 16 defensive players selected in the first round of the Draft, but one notable player not selected was David Ojabo.

The Michigan OLB, who Mel Kiper Jr. ranked as the top player at his position, is expected to be taken sometime in the second round but likely would have gone earlier if he hadn’t ruptured his Achilles’ tendon in March.

The 6’4” pass-rusher suffered the injury at his Michigan Pro Day in mid-March.

As the ProFootballDocs detailed at the time, Ojabo’s injury would result in a slide down the draft.

His drop to the second round signals that teams don’t expect the 21-year-old to play or be a contributor in his rookie season, according to Dr. David Chao.

Ojabo was a mammoth difference-maker for the Wolverines in their run to the CFP, notching 11 sacks and 12 TFLs.

The hope is he will make a full recovery and return and be a steal for whoever takes him, but his drop is a clear sign that teams are concerned about his early-career production.