Three undrafted rookies defied the odds to make the team.
With arguably the NFL’s most loaded roster and an 11-man drafted rookie class, it seemed like this would be a rare year when an undrafted rookie didn’t crack the 53-man roster.
Instead, a whopping three made the team: safety Reuben Lowery III, inside linebacker Jay Higgins IV, and cornerback Keyon Martin.
There are many reasons why they made the team, but it boiled down to all three players earning their spot by making plays. Higgins had an interception in the preseason opener and sealed a win with a pass breakup. Lowery had an interception in the second preseason game. Martin had a safety in Dallas and pick-six in the finale.
This extends the Ravens’ “streak” of at least one undrafted rookie making the initial 53-man roster to 21 of the past 22 years and is yet another testament to the scouting and development in Baltimore.
What makes it even more impressive is their unlikely path to the NFL. Higgins was an All-American at Iowa that other teams passed on. Lowery hails from Tennessee-Chattanooga. Martin joined the Ravens from Louisiana-Lafayette as a rookie camp tryout. Even in today’s saturated scouting market, the Ravens found gems.
“I just think we have a really good system,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said Monday when asked about the team’s success with undrafted rookies. “If I’m an agent, I want to send them to Baltimore, because they’re going to get coached, and they’re going to have a chance.”
The numbers game changed when sixth-round rookie cornerbacks Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam were both placed on season-ending injured reserve with knee injuries. Still, the Ravens parted ways with veteran cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis and other good players to keep the undrafted rookies.
The Ravens have a long list of undrafted gems over the years. We’ll see what ultimately becomes of Lowery, Higgins, and Martin, but considering the circumstances, the fact that all three made the team is an incredible feat.
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