Can the Ravens Undrafted Rookie Trio Make a Lasting Impact in 2025?
Three undrafted rookies, Jay Higgins, Keyon Martin, and Reuben Lowery, defied the odds to earn spots on the Baltimore Ravens’ 53-man roster for the 2025 NFL season. Their journey from overlooked college prospects to NFL roster members was anything but routine, marked by standout performances throughout training camp and preseason. As the final decisions loomed for general manager Eric DeCosta ahead of Tuesday’s cutdown deadline, these three players forced the Ravens’ front office to make tough calls. The presence of this talented undrafted trio led to some surprising cuts, opening the door for fresh, hungry faces to join Baltimore’s quest for a championship.
The difficult decisions DeCosta faced revolved around talent and potential, as well as veteran experience. The Ravens entered this week’s deadline with depth at key defensive positions, meaning every spot on the final roster was highly contested. Among the notable casualties were veteran defensive lineman Brent Urban, who is used to being cut by Baltimore and agreeing to a handshake deal to eventually come back once a roster spot opens up during the season, and cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis, who had shown flashes during camp but ultimately lost out to the undrafted standouts. The selection of Higgins, Martin, and Lowery illustrates DeCosta’s willingness to value what he saw in recent practices and games, rather than relying solely on pedigree or past performance. The process was emotional for both players and management, as DeCosta acknowledged the difficulty in letting go of so many talented athletes.
Big plays in live action defined the trio’s impact in the preseason. Higgins stood out with a game-changing interception against Indianapolis and a critical forced fumble versus Dallas, earning him high marks from both coaches and analytics experts. Keyon Martin impressed with his versatility and timely defensive plays in the secondary, often being in the right place at the right time during crucial moments. This was on display in their preseason finale against the Commanders, as Martin delivered with a pick-six in Baltimore’s blowout win. Meanwhile, Reuben Lowery showcased relentless hustle, making smart football decisions and out-competing seasoned veterans for his spot. Their performances did not go unnoticed by other NFL organizations, with rival teams contacting DeCosta about potential trade or waiver claims for these undrafted phenoms. The front office’s decision to keep all three was a testament to their collective impact and promising futures.
The Ravens will likely rely on Higgins, Martin, and Lowery as valuable contributors week in and week out. Higgins brings depth and playmaking ability to a linebacker group led by All-Pro Roquan Smith, fitting seamlessly into Baltimore’s aggressive defensive system. Martin adds much-needed cornerback depth and could excel in sub-packages or when injuries strike the secondary. Lowery’s instincts make him useful in both run support and pass coverage, creating flexibility for the coaching staff on special teams and defensive snaps. Their emergence provides Baltimore with assets capable of changing games, a quality DeCosta and the coaching staff praised repeatedly as the regular season approaches.
DeCosta’s candid remarks about this year’s undrafted rookie class offered a stark contrast to his disappointment from last season. The general manager celebrated the work of the scouting and coaching staffs, crediting them for identifying and developing overlooked talent more successfully than in 2024. This year’s undrafted standouts now have the opportunity to reward the front office’s faith, striving to make a significant impact on the field. If their preseason performances are any indication, the dynamic trio could be the blueprint for future underdog stories in Baltimore, helping to define a new era for Ravens football.
