The Ravens found their next offensive lineman
While the Baltimore Ravens may have surprised some by picking a defensive player in Clemson’s Nate Wiggins with the No. 30 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Eric DeCosta wasted no time getting an offensive lineman on Day 2. The Ravens selected Washington right tackle Roger Rosengarten with the No. 62 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Ravens’ offensive line is currently in flux. At the right tackle spot, the trade of Morgan Moses this offseason created an underwhelming competition between gigantic fourth-round pick Daniel Faalele and veteran swing tackle Josh Jones, Rosengarten can now throw his hat in the ring.
The Ravens need the best offensive line money can buy this season, as they need to keep MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson upright while simultaneously creating holes for new running back Derrick Henry to charge through. Rosengarten can help them address both of these needs.
When looking at Rosengarten’s profile as a player and the remaining talent available at this point in the NFL Draft, it may not be hyperbolic to say that Baltimore landed the best pure right tackle on the board. If the Ravens want to build the offensive line through the draft, this is a hell of a way to do so.
Ravens NFL Draft grade for Roger Rosengarten selection: A-
In 1,163 pass-blocking snaps in college, Rosengarten did not allow a single sack. The fact he did that while playing in one of the most pass-happy offenses in the country and serving as the blindside protector for left-handed QB Michael Penix Jr. speaks volumes about his skill in that area.
Rosengarten is known more for his exemplary footwork and hand placement in pass protection, but he’s shown real improvement as a run-blocker. While he doesn’t have jaw-dropping size, he can get horizontal and create gaping holes in a scheme that had some similar concepts to what Baltimore did last season.
The negatives mostly stem from average overall athleticism and mixed results when getting to the second level as a blocker. Those are nowhere near enough to deter the Ravens from picking him, as few tackles in the second round can come right in and handle NFL athletes from both a speed and power perspective.
While Rosengarten will need to beat out some veterans to start at right tackle, he has more than enough talent to do so. The Ravens may have landed two starters with their first two picks, which is a sign that Eric DeCosta is once again conducting a solid draft.
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