The Baltimore Ravens may have found a gem in the form of an undrafted linebacker.

Not everyone hears their name called on draft day. That was the case for former Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins, who went undrafted despite incredible production with the Hawkeyes. The All-American led the Big Ten in solo tackles (71), which was less than his insane 2023 season where he racked up 92 solo tackles and 171 overall. Over the last two seasons, Higgins put up 295 tackles in Iowa. However, a slow 40-time and being shorter than the average linebacker saw him fall out of the NFL Draft altogether.

With rookie minicamp having begun for the Baltimore Ravens, Higgins is happy to be in a place that wanted him.

“Extremely happy to be here,” Higgins said. “Obviously, the draft day, all three days, didn’t go as planned, but super fortunate to have the opportunity to come to Baltimore with so much defensive history. The linebackers that play here, that played here in the past, I think it’s a good fit for me. Just how I operate, my mindset, and how they operate defensively. So I think we’re a good match, and I’m kind of happy things turned out the way they did.”

Even though Higgins didn’t hear his name called, he notes that everyone is in the same boat at rookie minicamp.

“When you report to minicamp, you start from ground zero,” Higgins said. “For the guys who got drafted, who had good college careers, the moment they stepped out on the field, it’s fair game. Being an undrafted free agent, I understand that. I know I got to go in, prove things. Nothing’s going to be given to me.”

Should Higgins prove himself worthy of a roster spot over the next number of weeks, Baltimore will be getting a young, hungry defender who made a living finding ball carriers and putting them on the ground at the highest level of college football. He could end up being one of the bigger steals in this entire class.

Jarrett Bailey has covered the NFL since 2020 for various outlets, including The Sporting News and USA Today. He is the host of The Pump Fake Podcast and a lover of Batman lure and Professional

The Ravens’ first-round pick’s praise of Jackson highlights the importance of Jackson’s role not just within the Ravens’ organization but in the broader landscape of the NFL. Jackson has become a model for future quarterbacks, demonstrating that success in the NFL isn’t limited to traditional quarterback traits. Instead, it’s about adaptability, leadership, and the ability to make plays in a variety of ways. Jackson’s impact on the game extends beyond his individual accolades, as he has changed how people view the quarterback position and has set a new standard for what it means to be an elite quarterback.

Jackson’s legacy will continue to grow as he refines his game and leads the Ravens through future seasons. The Ravens’ first-round pick is just one example of the growing recognition Jackson is receiving as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. With his combination of skill, leadership, and determination, Lamar Jackson’s place in NFL history is firmly cemented, and he will continue to be a key figure in the league for years to come.

Despite the criticism regarding his playoff performances early in his career, Jackson has continually shown growth and resilience. His performances in regular season games have been nothing short of spectacular, and as he gains more experience, his playoff performances are expected to improve. His confidence and composure in crucial moments make him a quarterback capable of leading his team through adversity.