The Miami Dolphins have waived former Michigan standout David Ojabo along with two other ex-Wolverines as they finalize their 53-man roster.

  • Miami Dolphins released David Ojabo, Donovan Edwards, and Donaven McCulley.
  • Ojabo, a former All-American at Michigan, struggled with major injuries throughout his NFL career.
  • The moves come just ahead of the NFL's 53-man roster deadline.

In a decisive roster move, the Miami Dolphins have released former Michigan All-American David Ojabo. The decision comes as the team races against the 6 p.m. deadline to finalize its official 53-man roster. Ojabo was not the only former Wolverine to face the axe; the team also waived running back Donovan Edwards and rookie receiver Donaven McCulley.

Ojabo’s journey to the NFL was marked by immense promise and devastating setbacks. During his tenure at the University of Michigan in 2021, he was a dominant force, recording 11 sacks in 14 games and earning prestigious All-American honors. However, a torn Achilles tendon during his pro day workout significantly altered his professional trajectory, causing him to slide out of the first round of the NFL Draft.

A Career Marred by Injuries

Selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Ojabo struggled to find consistent playing time. His rookie season was cut short after just two games due to an ACL tear in 2023, which limited him to only three appearances that year. Over the last two seasons, despite playing 27 games, his statistical impact remained modest with only 13 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

The transition from collegiate dominance to professional stability is often hindered by the physical toll of high-impact injuries, a reality Ojabo has faced repeatedly.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that roster management in the NFL is a ruthless balancing act between potential and proven reliability. The Dolphins signed Ojabo to a one-year, $1.4 million contract seeking a defensive boost, but his preseason performance—yielding only two tackles—was insufficient to secure a spot over other roster contenders.

Historical Background

The University of Michigan has long been a powerhouse in college football, producing numerous NFL talents. For players like Ojabo, the transition from the Big Ten to the NFL represents the highest level of competition, where even a slight dip in physical readiness can result in being waived by professional franchises.

Did You Know?: Injuries like ACL and Achilles tears are among the most significant factors that cause highly-rated draft prospects to fall in the NFL rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Who else was released by the Dolphins?
Answer: Along with David Ojabo, the Dolphins released Donovan Edwards and Donaven McCulley.

Question 2: What was Ojabo's contract with the Dolphins?
Answer: He was signed to a one-year, $1.4 million contract during the offseason.