The Baltimore Ravens are consistently regarded as one of the best-managed organizations both on and off the field, and are particularly known for their ability to find talent outside the draft.
That includes their ability to find talent outside the draft. The Baltimore Ravens have had at least one undrafted free agent make the roster in 20 of the past 21 seasons. The only year one didn’t make the team was 2020, when there was no preseason due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Diamonds Come From Anywhere
Not only do the Ravens excel at finding diamonds in the rough, but they also have a strong history of not just making the roster but developing players into starters and stars. A key example is former Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, who many consider to be the best ever to play.
Another notable player who went undrafted is fullback Patrick Ricard. After going undrafted as a defensive lineman, the Ravens turned him into a fullback who would go on to be a five-time Pro Bowler and a first-team selection.
The reason the Ravens are so good at finding and developing UDFAs is the way that Baltimore is always looking to improve after the draft. This includes relying on their excellent scouting department, which identifies players who have slipped through the cracks.
Once signed, the Ravens treat them like any other player on the roster, focusing on developing them while providing them plenty of opportunities to earn a roster spot.
The Ravens approach undrafted free agents with a mindset that helps build a competitive roster year after year. They have shown to value players for their work ethic and talent, not their draft status. Players who sign with the team are expected to earn a spot, rather than simply being handed one due to their draft status.
Baltimore’s process speaks for itself as they now look to 2025. As they await the new wave of undrafted players that flew under the radar.
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Four Longshots Who Made It in 2025
Jay Higgins
Jay Higgins, the All-American out of Iowa, was initially projected to be a mid-round pick before a poor combine performance caused him to fall off the draft boards. After being one of the top names to go undrafted, he chose to sign with Baltimore.
After signing with the Ravens, he proved immediately that he belongs in the NFL. His preseason started strong with a Week 1 PFF grade of 88.1 against the Colts, where he batted down two balls and had an interception. He followed his strong week 1 performance with another good showing against the Cowboys, where he had a strip sack.
Higgins finished the 2025 Preseason with the highest PFF grade among rookie linebackers with a 90.9. He’ll mainly be a depth piece this season for Baltimore, playing the majority of special teams.
Reuben Lowery III
Lowery, who plays both corner and safety, went undrafted out of Tennessee-Chattanooga. He is like a Swiss army knife, playing similarly to Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton. You can plug him anywhere on the field, and he’ll still be effective.
Lowery played various secondary positions, primarily as a slot corner and safety. One of Lowery’s biggest selling points was his high football IQ, which constantly impressed the coaching staff.
“It’s his football IQ,” defensive coordinator Zach Orr said. “When he came in, he was playing corner and nickel for us, and then we added safety to his plate, and now he’s playing all over the secondary. For an undrafted rookie to do that right away and still make plays is amazing.”
After showing all of training camp, he put the final stamp on his roster spot to beat out Ravens safety Beau Brade for the final roster spot with a dominant preseason. In the preseason, he led the team in tackles with 14 and had an interception in week 2 vs Dallas.
Keyon Martin
Out of the three undrafted rookies to make the team, Keyon had by far the most challenging path. After playing at Louisiana-Lafayette as a corner, and went undrafted. The Baltimore Ravens were the only team to reach out to him for a tryout.
He started the offseason at the bottom of a deep cornerback depth chart that added former All-Pro Jaire Alexander and veteran Chidobe Awuzie to a room that already had Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins.
After making training camp after tryout, Martin put on a masterful display in the preseason to force his way on the roster that was already stacked at the cornerback position.
In week 2, against the Cowboys, he had a big hit on backup QB Joe Milton III to force a safety. In his final chance to show why he should be on the roster against the Commanders, he stepped up with a pick-six, five total tackles, two for loss, and a pass deflection.
Martin finished his preseason holding opponents to a 13.4 passing rating, along with his four tackles for loss.
Corey Bullock
Besides the three UDFA rookies who made the team. Corey Bullock, the second-year offensive lineman, also faced a tough road to make the team. Still, he surprised and took full advantage of the numerous opportunities the Ravens gave him.
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After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, the former Maryland Terrapins chose to sign with the Ravens’ practice squad.
Bullock impressed all offseason, beating out 2024 seventh-round pick Nick Samac and 2025 seventh-round pick Garrett Dellinger. He was the third-highest graded player on the Ravens’ offense during week 2 of the preseason against the Cowboys, where he registered a PFF grade of 81.8.
Offensive coordinator Todd Monken said, “When a player makes the practice squad… you’re here to help us practice, but also to develop.”
The Ravens are looking to finally get over the hump and lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Their continued investment in UDFA’s has paid its dividends as Baltimore comes into the season with a stacked roster from top to bottom.
For players like Higgins, Lowery, Martin, and Bullock, making the roster is a significant achievement. It doesn’t matter where they come from; all that matters is making the most of the opportunity given.
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