Ravens Linebacker Jay Higgins Looks Ahead to Proving Himself After Going Undrafted

For many athletes, the journey to the NFL is filled with hope, dreams, and anticipation. However, for some, the road to the league is not paved with the bright lights of being a highly-touted draft pick but instead with the grit, determination, and resilience of undrafted free agents. Jay Higgins, a linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, is one such player who finds himself in that very situation. After a successful collegiate career, Higgins faced the reality of not hearing his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft. While many might have been discouraged, Higgins remains focused on proving himself to the Ravens and making his mark on the NFL, despite being overlooked by scouts and general managers.

The Rise of Jay Higgins: A College Standout

Before becoming a member of the Baltimore Ravens, Jay Higgins had already established himself as a formidable force on the football field. A standout linebacker in college, Higgins garnered attention for his exceptional ability to read offenses, deliver punishing tackles, and lead his team from the middle of the defense. His college career, which was marked by consistent improvement and a relentless work ethic, placed him among the top linebackers in his conference.

Higgins spent his college years at a major Division I program, where he quickly earned a reputation for being a tackling machine. Known for his sideline-to-sideline coverage and his ability to impact both the run and pass games, Higgins was a key contributor to his team’s defensive success. Over the course of his collegiate career, he accumulated impressive stats, with numerous tackles, sacks, and interceptions to his name. His leadership on and off the field made him a captain for his team, and he played a significant role in mentoring younger players.

However, despite his strong collegiate resume, Higgins faced an uphill battle heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Scouts and analysts had mixed opinions about his potential at the next level. Some questioned whether he possessed the size and speed necessary to compete at the professional level, while others believed his skills were overshadowed by more highly-regarded prospects. Ultimately, Higgins’ name was never called during the draft, leaving him with the difficult decision of either continuing his dream in the NFL or potentially looking elsewhere for an opportunity to showcase his talents.

The Reality of Going Undrafted

Going undrafted is a harsh reality for many college athletes who have worked tirelessly throughout their careers. Being passed over during the draft can be disheartening, and for many, it marks the end of their NFL aspirations. However, Jay Higgins’ story is not one of defeat but rather of perseverance. When the draft came to a close and Higgins’ name remained uncalled, he was faced with the uncertainty of what came next. But instead of allowing himself to be discouraged, Higgins immediately shifted his focus to what he could control: his work ethic, his determination, and his desire to prove that he belonged in the NFL.

The days following the draft are critical for undrafted players. Teams begin to sign free agents in the hope of finding hidden gems who might have slipped through the cracks. Higgins, ever the competitor, was quickly picked up by the Baltimore Ravens, an organization known for its strong defensive pedigree and its ability to develop players. The Ravens have a history of turning undrafted players into key contributors, and Higgins saw this as his opportunity to show what he could do.

Higgins was invited to the Ravens’ rookie minicamp, where he could compete with other undrafted players for a spot on the roster. His initial goal was simple: to make a lasting impression. He knew that the road ahead would not be easy and that he would need to prove himself day in and day out to earn the respect of his coaches, teammates, and, most importantly, the front office.

The Mindset of a Competitor

One of the key factors that has allowed Jay Higgins to remain optimistic about his future in the NFL is his mentality. He understands that going undrafted is not the end of the road but rather a starting point for a new chapter in his football career. Many athletes, after facing disappointment, can allow self-doubt and frustration to creep in. But Higgins chose to channel that adversity into motivation. He has embraced the underdog mentality, knowing that being overlooked by other teams presents an opportunity for him to prove that he has what it takes to succeed at the next level.

“I’ve been overlooked before, and I’ll keep proving people wrong,” Higgins said after joining the Ravens. “This is a chance for me to show I belong here. I’ve worked my whole life for this moment, and I’m not going to let it slip away.”

Higgins’ mindset is reflective of a larger trend in the NFL: the rise of undrafted free agents who have defied the odds and become stars. Players like Wes Welker, Arian Foster, and James Harrison have all had to fight their way into the NFL after going undrafted, and each of them went on to have significant careers. While Higgins is not yet a household name, his desire to follow in the footsteps of those players is clear.

“I know it’s not going to be easy, but I’m ready for it,” Higgins continued. “It’s about putting in the work every day, getting better, and making the most of every opportunity I get.”

Fitting into the Ravens’ Defense

The Baltimore Ravens have long been known for their dominant defense, and Jay Higgins’ skills as a linebacker seem to be a natural fit for the team’s defensive system. The Ravens have consistently been one of the league’s best defenses, with a strong emphasis on linebackers who can disrupt both the run and pass games. With players like Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, and C.J. Mosley in the team’s storied history, the Ravens have established a tradition of developing top-tier linebackers.

Higgins’ ability to cover ground, his instincts in pass coverage, and his aggressive style of play make him a promising fit for the Ravens’ defensive scheme. While he may not have the immediate name recognition of some of the team’s established stars, his skills on the field have caught the attention of coaches and players alike.

“Jay is a guy who has a great feel for the game,” said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. “He’s got good vision, and he’s able to read plays quickly. He’s the type of player who can make an impact on special teams, and if he continues to develop, he’ll have a shot to contribute on defense as well.”

The Ravens’ defensive coaching staff is known for its ability to bring the best out of players, and Higgins is excited to learn from some of the best minds in the game. He is eager to take advantage of the opportunity to develop under coaches like defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and linebacker coach Rob Leonard, who have a proven track record of grooming young talent.

Higgins’ physical attributes, such as his quickness, agility, and tackling ability, are assets that will help him in his quest to earn a spot on the Ravens’ roster. Additionally, his leadership skills and work ethic have already made a positive impression on his teammates.

The Road Ahead: Proving Himself

As Jay Higgins embarks on this new chapter of his NFL journey, he is fully aware that the path to making an NFL roster is not guaranteed. Undrafted free agents face long odds, and many will ultimately be cut during training camp or preseason. However, Higgins is determined to push through any obstacles in his path. He knows that success in the NFL requires more than just talent—it requires resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in oneself.

For Higgins, the road ahead is a series of small steps: impressing during minicamp, making the most of every practice rep, contributing on special teams, and continuing to develop his skills in training camp. With the Ravens’ support and his own drive, Higgins has the potential to carve out a role for himself on the team’s defense or special teams unit.

The journey for Jay Higgins is just beginning, and while the NFL Draft did not go as he had hoped, it is clear that he is not letting that define him. In fact, going undrafted may have lit a fire within him that will push him to greater heights. His story is a testament to the resilience of undrafted players and the determination it takes to make it in the NFL, proving that sometimes the road less traveled can lead to the greatest successes.

As he continues to work hard, remain focused, and take full advantage of his opportunity with the Ravens, Jay Higgins is determined to show that being undrafted is simply a stepping stone on his path to greatness. Whether as a special teams standout or a defensive contributor, Higgins is prepared to prove that he belongs in the NFL. The road ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Jay Higgins is ready for the challenge.