The Baltimore Ravens are traditionally very active in the undrafted free agent market immediately following the draft, and this year was no different. After selecting 11 prospects in the draft, the Ravens then signed 17 more undrafted rookies to fill their total first-year class.
For a long time, there was a long streak in Baltimore where an undrafted free agent wound up making the final 53-man roster. While that pattern has since flucuated a bit more year-to-year, there’s still a history of undrafted signees making the team and exceeding expectations.
Looking at this year’s loaded group of UDFAs, there a number of prospects who should be vying for reps and competing with incumbents for bubble spots this summer.
Today’s Question of the Day is:
Which undrafted rookie has the best chance to make the Ravens’ roster?
My answer: DT Jayson Jones, Auburn
The Ravens notably did not draft a defensive lineman in the first few rounds this year, which came as a surprise. Many believed a defensive tackle could be one of their top selections given the team’s lack of depth at the position currently. Not until the sixth round did the Ravens address this area, with the selection of Virginia Tech’s Aeanes Peebles.
After losing Michael Pierce to retirement this offseason, the Ravens don’t have an established player beyond their returning trio of Justin Madubuike, Broderick Washington, and Travis Jones. Adding to their pressing need at this position is the fact that Jones is set to be a free agent following the 2025 season.
Thus, there is a roster spot on the defensive lineman depth chart for the taking. The Ravens may still sign a veteran to join the mix, but another young talent could fill the void as well. That is why defensive tackle Jayson Jones, who went undrafted out of Auburn, has a path to making the team’s final roster.
At 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds, Jones has an enticing physical profile. He fits the mold of a traditional nose tackle who eat up space in the trenches and provide strong, hard-nosed physicality, which the Ravens covet. Jones played at two high-level collegiate programs, as he was at Oregon for his freshman year before transferring to Auburn.
For his career in 50 games, Jones totaled 84 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery. His statistics don’t scream disruptive pass-rusher or playmaker, but Jones is a strong tackler and run defender, while possessing pretty refined technique.
It’s hard to expect an undrafted free agent to be an instant difference-maker and the Ravens don’t need one to be. However, Jones skill set should translate well early on and allow him to perform well in OTAs, training camp, and eventually the preseason.
Which UDFA do you think has the best chance to make the Ravens’ final roster? Comment below and discuss!