Worth the Wait: Maryland Product Zaire Mitchell-Paden Is Impressing After Three Years on Practice Squad

Zaire Mitchell-Paden, who went undrafted in 2022, made his NFL regular-season debut last Sunday in a game in Buffalo after spending three years on various practice squads. He was called up from the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad due to injuries to fullback Patrick Ricard (calf) and tight end Isaiah Likely (foot), stepping into a hybrid role for the team.

During the game, Mitchell-Paden played 15 snaps and executed a key block on Derrick Henry's first long touchdown run, showcasing his blocking skills. His performance was crucial in supporting the Ravens' rushing attack, which accumulated 238 yards on the ground in Buffalo.

Mitchell-Paden described his debut as exciting, noting that it felt similar to practice except for the crowd noise. Derrick Henry praised his blocking, calling it an "incredible job," and expressed excitement for his future opportunities. Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken was particularly impressed, highlighting how Mitchell-Paden learned the fullback position on short notice and performed admirably in a vital role.

Hailing from Rockville, Maryland, Mitchell-Paden played college football at Notre Dame College before transferring to Florida Atlantic for his final season. He began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Cleveland Browns, spending two seasons on their practice squad before joining the Ravens' practice squad a year ago. Monken noted that Mitchell-Paden, who is 6-foot-5 and 257 pounds, played well enough in training camp to potentially make the Ravens' 53-man roster.

If called up again this weekend, Mitchell-Paden could play his first NFL regular-season game in his hometown stadium, but he is keeping this possibility quiet to maintain focus and preparation. Meanwhile, injuries to Likely and Ricard continue, and the Ravens are aiming for their fourth consecutive win in the upcoming game.