Few rookies have turned more heads than Baltimore Ravens rookie linebacker Jay Higgins. After having a productive career at the University of Iowa, Higgins went undrafted during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Higgins racked up 342 total tackles (158 solo, 184 assisted), eight passes defended, five interceptions, 3.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. Most of the damage Higgins did came in his final few seasons with the Iowa program.
Higgins was knocked for his measureables during the pre-draft and draft combine process, which were contributing factors to his not being drafted.
Higgins has been impressive during the Ravens' first few preseason games, leading the team in tackles and adding an interception in the first game.
Ahead of the Ravens' final preseason game against the Commanders, Baltimore defensive coordinator Zach Orr had nothing but positive things to say about his rookie linebacker.
“He’s definitely athletic and fast enough to play at this level. You combine that with his IQ and his playmaking ability — he keeps it going, there’s no reason he shouldn’t play a long time in this league.”
— Eliot Clough (@EliotClough) August 21, 2025
Ravens DC Zach Orr on former Iowa LB Jay Higgins
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Orr began his response about Higgins, stating that he is really instinctive with a high football IQ. Higgins is different because most players become linebackers later in their college career, but he has always been one.
Orr continued saying that Higgins understands how to read offensive linemen and is adept with his spacing in coverage situations, which is out of the ordinary for a linebacker.
Orr was adamant that he did not understand how Higgins went undrafted, but he is certain he will play in the league for a long time.
Orr understands that Higgins' measurements knocked him out of the draft, but stated he knows Higgins is athletic and fast enough to play in this league.
Higgins has been one of the biggest surprises for the Ravens and overall in the NFL preseason as an undrafted rookie, and even with no guarantee he will make the team, his high level of play should grant him a spot on the 53-man roster.