OTL: Players to Watch in Ravens-Colts Preseason Opener

The 2025 season will officially get underway this evening, as the Indianapolis Colts come to M&T Bank Stadium for the first of three preseason games for the Ravens. There’s a lot to be excited about as the Ravens take the field for the first time this year. Following yet another disappointing postseason exit, this Ravens squad appears more talented than ever, as they look to finally capture that Lombardi trophy in the Jackson era.

Despite the expected absence of most of Baltimore’s top stars, there’s still a plethora of intriguing players to peak your interest tonight. Here are just a few I’ll be keeping an eye on.

OLB David Ojabo

When the Ravens selected David Ojabo 45th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, many experts considered the pick a steal, despite the Michigan star’s Achilles injury. It took Ojabo some time to get onto the field, making his debut in Week 15 of the 2022 regular season. Since then, he has missed an alarming 25 games due to injuries or gameday scratches. This upcoming preseason has become more important than ever for the 4th-year edge rusher. Ojabo not only enters 2025 on the final year of his contract, but many believe Ojabo finds himself on the outside looking in, when it comes to the Ravens 53-man roster. It’s not impossible for Ojabo to make the 53-man roster, thanks in part to what has been a strong start to camp, and the potential of Baltimore keeping six edge rushers. On last night’s episode of “Ravens Collective,” Jeff Zrebiec stated “Ojabo has looked better than Adissa Issac, through the first couple weeks of camp, and I don’t even think it’s been particularly close.”

Ojabo entered the league with what many believe could be a high ceiling, but it’s time to see him put it on display.

TE Charlie Kolar

You could argue there isn’t another team in the NFL that values the tight end position more than the Baltimore Ravens. Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and Charlie Kolar have all shown the ability to both make plays both in the passing game and contribute as run blockers. With Likely sidelined for some time with a foot fracture, Kolar has received an opportunity to truly show his value to the Ravens offense. In three seasons, Kolar has shown to be a reliable TE3, racking up 21 receptions on 27 targets, 271 yards, and 2 TDs. The fourth-year TE is off to a nice start through two weeks of camp as he enters a contract year. Showing an ability to be useful in the passing game is an obvious way Kolar can show his value, but displaying his growth in run blocking will only help his case.

WR Dayton Wade

If you’ve kept up to date on training camp updates through tweets and online posts, it has seemed almost impossible to not see Dayton Wade’s name at least once a practice. Between highlight plays and big touchdowns, the second-year receiver has found ways to shine in what’s arguably the best Ravens receiver room in franchise history. Wade made himself known last year with solid play in the preseason, finishing with 99 yards on seven receptions and a single touchdown. You’d have to expect Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and DeAndre Hopkins to all sit, leaving the door open for Wade to get some serious playing time. Luckily for Wade, you’d have to imagine there’s a spot on the practice squad should the second year receiver find himself on the short end of the stick. It’s going to be a tough battle for Wade to get that final spot in the Ravens receiving room. Carrying his momentum from camp into tonight’s game could play a crucial role in the team’s outlook on him as the preseason continues.

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