Opening a season with a rookie free agent on the Week 1 roster has been a rarity for the Baltimore Ravens, but one “very productive” undrafted player is being tipped to change the narrative.
It’s former Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Zrebiec placed Higgins among the “undrafted rookies with the best shot to stick.”
This list also includes ex-Wyoming kicker John Hoyland, along with Reuben Lowery. The latter is “a cornerback out of Tennessee-Chattanooga who was around the ball a lot in offseason practices.”
Higgins’ chances of winning the race for a final roster spot are boosted by “a very productive final two seasons” for the Hawkeyes. The 23-year-old can also benefit from the Ravens having an obvious need for another active inside linebacker, as well as for a tackling demon able to fill a not insignificant void on special teams.
Undrafted Find Can Help Ravens at Linebacker
Putting Roquan Smith into the heart of the linebacker corps gave the Ravens an All-Pro field general at the second level, but he’s getting lonesome. What Smith needs is a fellow middle ‘backer on his level as a sideline-to-sideline all-rounder.
There are more than a few candidates, starting with Trenton Simpson. The third-year pro is supposed to be a breakout talent, but he’s yet to put everything together.
Simpson’s erratic performances have prompted the Ravens to cast a wide net for a potential replacement. They were congratulated for finding value in the 2025 NFL draft, a possible sleeper with the range and athleticism to start as a rookie.
Higgins can force his way into the mix if he can somehow transfer his prolific output in the collegiate ranks to the pro game. It will be a tall order for the player who was the “only Power Five player in 2024 with 100+ tackles and 4+ interceptions,” per Ravens Nation LIVE.
Maybe he can’t replicate his Iowa best in the NFL, but those with a knack for making plays usually stay playmakers at any level. Even if it doesn’t happen for Higgins, who isn’t the only undrafted inside linebacker touted as one to watch, he could still replace a vital player in football’s third phase.
Jay Higgins Could Replace Forgotten Team Leader
The Ravens’ coverage units instantly became weaker once the New York Giants finally acquired Chris Board in free agency. Board was a leader on special teams who the Ravens may regret not fighting harder to keep.
Those regrets will be compounded if the Ravens also miss Malik Harrison. He bolted to AFC North rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers after also carving out a key role as part of kick coverage.
Head coach John Harbaugh and special teams coordinator Chris Horton need to reload. Even after snagging reputed “special teams ace” Jake Hummel from the Los Angeles Rams, per Zrebiec’s colleague Dianna Russini.
Starting their reboot with a high volume tackler like Higgins is the quickest way for the Ravens to restore some oomph in the kicking and return games.
It’s also likely the best route for Higgins to take to make the roster for the opening game against the Buffalo Bills on September 7 for Sunday Night Football.
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