Jay Higgins, Former All-American Linebacker for Iowa, Acknowledged by PFF as Promising Undrafted Free Agent for Ravens in 2025 NFL Season
Following an eventful 2025 NFL Draft where the Baltimore Ravens made 11 player selections, the team has now enhanced its roster by adding 17 undrafted free agents. This move aims to deepen their already formidable lineup. Despite a generally strong team, the Ravens recognize a pressing need to strengthen their linebacker corps, with Trenton Simpson emerging as a critical figure vying for a starting position.
The Ravens have a history of successfully integrating undrafted free agents into their system, drawing attention from analysts and fans alike. Pro Football Focus (PFF) has recently spotlighted one emerging talent from each of the 32 teams, and for the Ravens, that player is Jay Higgins, a former Iowa standout who garnered accolades such as an All-Big Ten title and All-American recognition. His potential contributions could prove pivotal as the team moves forward.
The current lineup of linebackers behind Roquan Smith consists of a mix of relatively inexperienced players and enthusiastic rookies. With Trenton Simpson yet to validate his claim for a starting role—having posted a PFF overall grade of just 58.7 in the 2024 season—the opportunity appears favorable for Higgins, alongside fourth-round draft pick Teddye Buchanan and free-agent signing Jake Hummel, to step up.
Last season, Higgins shone as the fourth-most-valuable linebacker across the Power Five conferences, as measured by PFF’s Wins Above Average metric. His prowess in pass coverage was particularly impressive, earning him the distinction of the second-highest graded linebacker in this category in the FBS with a remarkable score of 91.5. This skill could be a valuable addition for the Ravens, whose linebackers surrendered the sixth-highest passer rating in 2024, set at 111.6.
Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 224 pounds, Jay Higgins enjoyed an outstanding senior season at Iowa, playing in all 13 games. He concluded the year with an impressive total of 124 tackles, leading his team with 53 solo tackles, along with 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, nine pass defenses, and four interceptions.
