The comparisons between Tavius Robinson and Ravens legend Jarret Johnson go deeper than their shared No. 95 jersey number.
Johnson was a known tough guy in Baltimore's defense. He was a player who did the dirty work from 2003-2011 while stars such as Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs got more of the fame.
As he enters his third year, Robinson has taken on that kind of status for the 2025 Ravens. A rugged 6-foot-6, 262-pound outside linebacker, Robinson beats up the opposition much like Johnson did for so many years – setting a hard edge versus the run, pushing blockers back into quarterbacks' laps, and punishing tight ends.
It's not by accident. Robinson said he's watched Johnson's highlights and even tuned into podcasts Johnson has been on to try to get inside his head.
"He was a guy that maybe didn't get all the credit that he deserved – sack wise and pass wise – but he was a dominant run defender, dominant physical, gritty player," Robinson said. "So yes, I've done a couple of deep dives on him and gone through his career here. He's a legend for sure, so it's a blessing to wear his number."
Does he emulate Johnson?
"A hundred percent, yes," Robinson said. "The way he played, the physicality, the effort that he played with. A hundred percent, yes."
While Robinson's game will always be centered around power and physicality, he's trying to add more finesse and pass rush techniques to his arsenal. Robinson went from one sack as a rookie to 3.5 last season and wants more this year.
Earlier this offseason, Pass Rush Coach Chuck Smith called Robinson a "centerpiece" of the Ravens' defense. On Monday, Outside Linebackers Coach Matt Robinson said he enjoys watching Robinson play against tight ends because he knows what's usually going to happen.
"I think [Robinson] is going to really put his hands on people, get knock back, change the line of scrimmage, force ball carriers to bounce, or he's going to end up making a play," Robinson said. "I know the inside linebackers like playing behind him, because he's going to change the line of scrimmage in front of them, and usually it turns out good for the Ravens."
While it may not result in a ton of stats for Robinson, he's doing his job. He's so valued at this point that he didn't even suit up for the Ravens' first preseason game – a far cry from when he used to play almost the entire game as a rookie.
That's the kind of recognition that Robinson appreciates. Johnson never got much media adoration outside of Baltimore, but his teammates, coaches, and diehard Ravens fans knew how important he was to the team. That kind of career sounds good to Robinson, too.
"I would be happy with that for sure," Robinson said. "He had a great career, and he's a legend in this building. He's on our defensive meeting slideshow every day. He's one of the guys up there. So, just playing my role to the best of my ability."
Rookie CB Robert Longerbeam Will Have Surgery
Sixth-round rookie cornerback Robert Longerbeam will have season-ending knee surgery after being placed on injured reserve, Head Coach John Harbaugh confirmed Monday.
"It's something that was deemed that surgery was the best move for him. That's good," Harbaugh said. "It's a decision that every player has a right to make and we support it. So that's what he's going to do. I love him. The way he was playing, he was playing really well."
The Ravens' other sixth-round corner, Bilhal Kone, is also on season-ending injured reserve after suffering a knee injury during the preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts.
"It's a little bit of a setback for sure," Harbaugh said. "I was starting to count on [Longerbeam] and count on B.K., too. Those two guys were really looking like they could help us this year. But they're not going to be there. So, we'll get them in rehab and they'll be back next year."
David Ojabo Is Performing Like an 'Upside Guy'
This is a pivotal fourth season for outside linebacker David Ojabo, who has played just 18 NFL games due to injuries. He tore his Achilles tendon at his Michigan Pro Day before the draft, then suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2023, which limited him to three games that season.
However, Ojabo looks stronger and faster than at any point in his career. He had a thunderous sack against Anthony Richardson in the preseason opener, and Harbaugh thinks Ojabo's best days are ahead if he remains healthy.
"He's not a guy who's played a lot of football," Harbaugh said. "He was late to football in high school, might have played one year of high school football. Really only played one year of college football, as far as a full season, and then he got hurt coming out.
"I think his upside is really there. We'll see it. I think we've seen it already in camp. I'm looking forward to the games so everybody can see it. He's an upside guy."
The Ravens' deep outside rotation at training camp includes Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh, Robinson, Mike Green, Adisa Isaac, and Malik Hamm. That means Ojabo will have to impress to earn a 53-man roster spot or consistent playing time, but he's not worrying about where he fits in. He's just continuing to compete.
"This was my first true offseason healthy," Ojabo said. "I feel like myself. I feel confident, just kind of letting it rip, man, not thinking about rehabbing. I'm just thinking about football. Just keep getting better, day by day."
Playing With More Physicality Has Helped Isaac
Isaac is another young outside linebacker enjoying a strong camp after his injury-plagued rookie season. Harbaugh sees Isaac playing with more force in a variety of ways.
"He is really starting to play with physicality," Harbaugh said. "That's probably the biggest thing for me. He looks really strong coming off the edge. He's knocking back tight ends. He's stalemating tackles. He's really hitting all those pull, kickout schemes well. The pass rush has been more physical, too."
Isaac was one of the Ravens' most active players against the Colts with four tackles and a sack. Being healthy during the offseason allowed Isaac to work on his endurance, and it's paying dividends.
"The more conditioning you have, the better you play through four quarters when you really need it," Isaac said. "[I'm] working on that, working on my strength, my body. Just working on different pass rush moves that I feel fit in my game and just keep stacking from there."
