The Baltimore Ravens are in the midst of a linebacker crisis. After Patrick Queen departed for the Pittsburgh Steelers last offseason, All-Pro Roquan Smith has been the only capable starting linebacker in Baltimore. 2023 third-round pick Trenton Simpson was expected to fill the void, but has struggled to establish himself.
Heading into 2025, it appears that Simpson will once again take the reins of the starting duties next to Smith. Rookie fourth-round pick Teddye Buchanan is expected to compete for critical snaps, but one undrafted rookie is quickly emerging as a potential X-factor at the position. And Baltimore must make room for him on the 53-man roster.
Ravens’ breakout star proving too good to cut
Linebacker Jay Higgins began his NFL career with a steep climb to a roster spot in front of him. However, he has taken that challenge in stride. Heading into the final week before roster cuts, he has surged up the depth chart and is putting himself in position to land on the initial roster come regular season time.
His meteoric rise has been showcased in the first two preseason games, where Higgins has been one of the best players on the field. Not just for the Ravens, but in the entire league. He introduced himself with an outstanding performance against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1, highlighted by an interception and game-sealing pass deflection. In Week 2 versus the Dallas Cowboys, he once again made a statement in the turnover department, forcing a fumble on Dallas quarterback Will Grier.
It's not just the turnovers, though. He is making plays all over the field, and Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) grades support his performance. Against the Colts, Higgins kicked off his career with an 88.1 overall grade, per PFF. In his second game against the Cowboys, he posted an impressive 84.0. He is quickly proving he belongs and is doing everything the Ravens could want from him.
Higgins is active in every phase of the game. Although he lacks ideal size and track star athleticism, he consistently finds the ball carrier anywhere on the field. His nose for the football makes him a desirable option in the middle of the defense moving forward.
Higgins’ spot on the roster is not guaranteed. Baltimore looks set to carry four linebackers in Smith, Simpson, Buchanan, and special teams ace Jake Hummel. However, if Higgins can showcase enough on special teams–a staple role for late-round and undrafted rookies playing under John Harbaugh–then he may jump Hummel in the rotation and steal the spot.