In an extremely talented class of offensive tackles, Roger Rosengarten shined as one of the most athletic at the NFL combine, and as one of the nation’s best pass protectors while serving on the blind side of Michael Penix Jr. at Washington.
The Baltimore Ravens selected Rosengarten at the back end of the second round of April’s NFL draft, with the No. 62 overall pick, and got a tremendous steal.
“Roger Rosengarten is tough,” NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein said after the selection. “I don’t question his ability to play competitively and play with toughness. He can play inside and outside zones, displays quick footwork, is very well-coached, and has the ability to help expand the running game.”
That should bode very well for the NFL’s reigning MVP, quarterback Lamar Jackson, and his top two running backs, Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell. Although Zierlein went on to discuss his questions about Rosengarten as a pass protector, the former four-star recruit proved at Washington that he can be a top-notch pass protector at the professional level.
Roger Rosengarten is a physically gifted Tackle that the Ravens selected in Round 2 of the NFL Draft. Some film of him against Michigan in the National Title Game, matched up against McGregor, Jenkins, and Harrell during Washington's 34-13 loss.#Ravens #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/txSM10mQSq
— All 22 Films (@All_22_NFL_Cuts) April 27, 2024
According to Pro Football Focus, Rosengarten didn’t allow a single sack throughout his college career, which included 28 starts over his final two seasons. His mobility, highlighted by a position-best 4.92 40-yard dash at the combine, should also be helpful for the extremely mobile Jackson and the Ravens who took 41 sacks last season, which ranks No. 17 in the NFL.
While the Husky tackle will be a very good pass protector, his biggest impact as a rookie might come on the ground where he’ll add to an already impressive rushing attack. Baltimore’s ball carriers averaged 5 yards per carry last season, No. 3 in the NFL, and after adding a two-time All Pro back in Henry and Rosengarten, who fits their scheme perfectly, the Ravens could have one of the league’s best offensive lines.
As Rosengarten develops as the two-time MVP’s new right tackle, he has the ability to turn into a star on a young, very talented Ravens team that should find themselves competing for the top seed in the AFC this season.
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