OTL: Notable Bubble Players to Watch in Preseason Finale

It seems like just yesterday we saw players arriving at camp to kick off 2025 training camp, yet here we are in the final week of the preseason. The Ravens sit at 2-0, with flashes at times coming from the offense, defense, and special teams. Entering camp, there were a multitude of intriguing position battles and UDFA’s to keep an eye on. Rookie kicker Tyler Loop was officially named the starter Sunday, ending what turned into a one-man battle. Andrew Vorhees appears to have unofficially taken the starting left guard position, leaving a lot of the focus on the defensive side of the ball.

With Saturday’s matchup in Washington, there’s just one final opportunity for players on the bubble to show their value to the coaching staff.

LB Jay Higgins

It’s interesting to see a player of Jay Higgins’ caliber not hear their name called on draft night. But as the old saying goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” The former Iowa standout has been exactly that for the Ravens, an UDFA treasure. Higgins entered the NFL with five years of Power 5 playing time, starting and finishing his career at Iowa. The former All-American’s experience has been on full display, and coaches have taken considerable notice.

Defensive coordinator Zach Orr had high praise for Higgins following practice on Wednesday, highlighting the rookie’s athleticism, IQ, and playmaking ability. Through two preseason games, Higgins has been a consistent contributor on defense. Coming away with an INT against the Colts, Higgins followed it up with a six-tackle performance, to go along with a sack and forced fumble in the Ravens’ win over the Cowboys.

Higgins managed to fall through the cracks in the draft process, but another solid performance Saturday could land him a spot on the 53-man roster.

DB Reuben Lowery

Similar to Higgins, Reuben Lowery has also been a stellar UDFA who has turned heads throughout camp. Lowery carried his exceptional play from the last few weeks into Dallas Saturday night. Lowery has displayed his versatility, lining up at safety as well as slot corner. Despite his smaller frame, the 5’9” defensive back isn’t afraid to get involved in contact. Picking up four tackles against the Cowboys, Lowery capped off his performance with an INT in the end zone on Joe Milton, just before the half.

Lowery has “stacked days” and has earned a serious look to make the final roster. With injuries lingering in the secondary, the next man up mentality, as well as exceptional play on the field, makes it seem like Lowery’s spot to lose.

OLB David Ojabo

Since an eye-popping sack early in the Ravens win over the Colts in Week 1 of the preseason, it’s almost been a game of “Where’s David Ojabo?” The former Wolverine entered camp healthy for the first time in his career, following multiple injury-plagued seasons, battling Adisa Isaac for what seemed to be the final OLB spot on the roster. Unfortunately for Isaac, an elbow injury suffered against the Cowboys will keep him out indefinitely.  After a noticeable start to camp, Ojabo hasn’t maintained the same impact, despite a serious question mark regarding his future with the organization.

Through two games, Ojabo has totaled just four tackles and three total pressures (all in Week 1). A lack of presence in the backfield has been the most alarming part of Ojabo’s performances thus far. Barring a stellar performance against the Commanders, you’d have to imagine Ojabo finds himself on the outside looking in.

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