Ravens Outsmart NFL Using International Pathway Program
One notable player that used this is Philadelphia Eagles star lineman Jordan Mailata, who grew up playing rugby in Australia, and then came over to the United States when he was 21.
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The Baltimore Ravens have now made use of this program, but they have found a way to cheat the system just a bit.
Nigerian edge rusher appeared in 13 games this past season for the Ravens, which would make one think that he would not be eligible for the IPP.
But you would be wrong.
The only qualifications needed are citizenship and residency outside the United States and Canada, with a maximum of two years of US high school experience. And Ojabo fits those requirements.
That means the NFL had to grant a roster exemption to the Ravens. They then used that open roster spot to sign a rookie who went undrafted, North Carolina linebacker Kaimon Rucker.
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The 23-year-old finished his final season with the Tar Heels with six sacks, eight tackles for loss, and even an interception. That versatility was enough for the reigning AFC North champions to take a chance on him.
It might have been a bit of an unorthodox way to get to an NFL team, but Rucker will be looking to prove that Baltimore did not make a mistake jumping through all of the hoops they did in order to sign him.
Related: Ravens May Have Found a Diamond in the Rough
Related: Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen Headlines Fantasy Debates
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