Assuming Oweh returns, what yall think about this starting 5. This isn’t confirmed just speculation at this point.

“Assuming Oweh returns, what yall think about this starting 5. This isn’t confirmed just speculation at this point.”

Here’s how I’m interpreting that:

• “Oweh” likely refers to Odafe Oweh, the edge rusher for the Baltimore Ravens.
• The context seems to be NFL football, particularly discussing a projected defensive front 5—probably the pass rush/defensive line group.
• The phrase “Assuming Oweh returns” suggests that either he’s recovering from injury, in contract negotiations, or otherwise not guaranteed to be active in the upcoming season.
• The tone is casual, like fan speculation on Twitter/X or Reddit—asking others for their take.
• You’re interested in exploring what a potential starting 5 (likely on defense) would look like with Oweh in the mix, possibly for the 2025 NFL season, although nothing is official yet.

Without a confirmed list of the “5” players, I’ll base it on likely candidates from the Ravens’ defensive front, assuming a base 3-4 or hybrid defense. Here’s a speculative starting 5 with Odafe Oweh:

Speculative Ravens Defensive Starting 5 (Front Seven Focus – Edge + DL)

• Odafe Oweh (OLB/EDGE)
• David Ojabo (OLB/EDGE)
• Justin Madubuike (DE/DT)
• Travis Jones (NT/DT)
• Broderick Washington (DE/DT)

Let’s break down what this could mean, how they might fit, and what it says about the Ravens’ defensive outlook in 2025.

Assuming Oweh Returns: Evaluating the Ravens’ Potential Starting 5 Up Front

As we head into the 2025 season, one of the big question marks around the Ravens’ front seven is the return and impact of Odafe Oweh. Whether he’s working through injuries or lingering contractual matters, fans are already looking ahead and wondering: If Oweh returns, how dangerous could this defensive front really be?

While nothing’s confirmed yet, here’s a speculative look at what that starting five could look like, how they complement each other, and what it could mean for a Baltimore defense that’s always had a reputation for physical, fast, and violent play.

1. Odafe Oweh – EDGE/OLB

When healthy, Oweh brings elite traits to the edge. His speed off the line is rare, and he has that bend you just can’t teach. The big knock on him has been consistency—flashes of dominance followed by stretches of quiet. But if he can string together healthy weeks and be put in positions to succeed (i.e., less dropping into coverage), he could still develop into a double-digit sack guy.

His presence alone stretches offensive protections. If he returns in 2025 with a chip on his shoulder, we could finally see the breakout Ravens fans have been waiting on since he was drafted in the first round in 2021.

2. David Ojabo – EDGE/OLB

Ojabo is the wild card. His story is already movie-worthy—tearing his Achilles during his Pro Day and clawing his way back. He hasn’t had a chance to truly show what he can do in a full, healthy season. But in terms of upside? He might have the most of any pass rusher on this roster.

Pairing him with Oweh gives the Ravens two athletic freaks off the edge, both with huge ceilings. If Mike Macdonald were still DC, you’d expect plenty of creative looks. Under Zach Orr (assuming he’s still calling plays), the hope is that they unleash Ojabo more aggressively and let him cook.

3. Justin Madubuike – DE/DT

Madubuike is no longer under-the-radar. After a monster 2023 season where he posted double-digit sacks from the interior (rare air for a 3-4 DE), he secured the bag with a big contract extension. He’s the anchor of this group now—the guy that demands attention on every snap.

His burst, power, and technique have made him one of the league’s top interior disruptors. With Oweh and Ojabo on the edge, it’s going to be tough for offenses to double him every snap. That could mean even more production in 2025.

4. Travis Jones – NT/DT

A true space-eater in the middle, Jones brings that old-school Ravens feel—big, nasty, and tough to move. He doesn’t rack up sacks, but his job isn’t glamorous. He eats blocks, clogs lanes, and keeps the linebackers clean. With more reps and development, Jones could become a quietly dominant presence inside.

And with more attention going to Madubuike and the edge threats, Jones might even sneak in a few disruptive plays of his own. Think of him as the spiritual successor to guys like Haloti Ngata and Brandon Williams—not flashy, just effective.

5. Broderick Washington – DE/DT

Washington rounds out this group as a solid, versatile piece who can play across the line. He’s not the kind of player who’ll make highlight reels every week, but he does the dirty work. He’s technically sound, reliable against the run, and can push the pocket on passing downs.

In a rotation-heavy system (as Baltimore loves to run), having someone like Washington who can play multiple spots and hold his own is critical. He’s the glue guy of the unit—maybe not the flashiest, but definitely the kind of player teams need to win.

Scheme Fit and Synergy

Baltimore’s defense has always thrived on multiplicity. They’re known for blending 3-4 and 4-3 principles, disguising coverages, and bringing pressure from everywhere. With these five, they’ve got the versatility to keep doing that.

• Pass Rush Threats: Oweh + Ojabo + Madubuike = constant pressure.
• Run Defense: Travis Jones + Washington hold up well at the point of attack.
• Athleticism: Every guy on this list moves well for their size, allowing for stunts, games, and exotic looks.

It’s a young group, but a dangerous one. And if they all stay healthy, they might be one of the most disruptive units in the AFC.

What Could Go Wrong?

• Injuries: Oweh and Ojabo have both missed time. The depth behind them isn’t overwhelming.
• Consistency: Oweh has had stretches where he disappears. Ojabo is still unproven. Madubuike will now be game-planned as a star.
• New Defensive Coordinator: With Mike Macdonald gone (assuming he took a head coaching job), how this group is used under new leadership could make or break them.

X-Factor: Development

Every guy in this group still has another level to hit.

• Can Oweh put together a full, healthy season?
• Does Ojabo finally get a real chance to shine?
• Can Madubuike dominate now that teams are focused on him?
• Will Jones and Washington take steps from solid to great?

If even two of those things happen, this group could be the engine that powers Baltimore’s defense deep into the postseason.

This projected starting five isn’t confirmed—yet. But if Odafe Oweh returns and everyone is healthy, the Ravens could roll out one of the most athletic, disruptive, and high-upside defensive fronts in the league. There’s still plenty to prove, but on paper, this five has the makings of something special.

Baltimore has built its identity on defense for decades. And assuming Oweh comes back ready to go? The legacy is in good hands.