Zaire Mitchell-Paden went undrafted in 2022. After three years on the practice squad, he finally played in his first regular-season NFL game last Sunday in Buffalo.
It was worth the wait for the Maryland native, who was called up from the practice squad with fullback Patrick Ricard (calf) and tight end Isaiah Likely (foot) sidelined.
Stepping into a hybrid role, Mitchell-Paden had 15 snaps in Buffalo and threw a key block on Derrick Henry's first long touchdown run, among others.
"It was exciting," Mitchell-Paden said of his debut. "It felt just like practice. The only thing that was different was the crowd noise."
Henry said he appreciated the "incredible job" Mitchell-Paden did blocking for him, and he's excited for him if he gets another opportunity.
Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken was particularly impressed because Mitchell-Paden learned how to play fullback on short notice. Ricard plays such a vital role in the Ravens' downhill rushing attack and Baltimore still rolled with 238 yards on the ground in Buffalo.
"That was awesome," Monken said. "For him to have never played in a game, what an unbelievable testament."
Mitchell-Paden hails from Rockville, Md., in Montgomery County, and played his college ball at Notre Dame College (not that Notre Dame) before transferring to Florida Atlantic for his final season.
He originally signed with the Browns as an undrafted free agent and spent his first two NFL seasons on their practice squad. He joined the Ravens' practice squad this time a year ago, learning behind Mark Andrews, Likely, Charlie Kolar, and Ricard. Monken said the 6-foot-5, 257-pound player, who is built like a Greek God, played well enough to make the Ravens' 53-man roster in training camp.
If Mitchell-Paden gets called up from the practice squad again this weekend, it would be his first time playing an NFL regular-season game in his hometown stadium. He said he's excited, but he's not telling his family and friends that he might play.
"I'm just trying to keep my head down and stay prepared and stay focused," he said. "I'm just making sure I keep the main thing the main thing every day."
