The Baltimore Ravens addressed arguably their biggest need in the second round of the NFL Draft on Friday night, using pick No. 62 on Washington offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten.
A two-year starter for the Huskies, Rosengarten played right tackle the past two years, protecting the blindside of left-handed quarterback Michael Penix Jr., a first-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons. Rosengarten started all 28 games the past two seasons for Washington.
Advertisement
The 6-foot-5, 308-pounder was a left tackle early in his college career but moved to the right side in 2022.
NFL Draft 2024 tracker: Live blog, pick-by-pick grades and analysis
Big board best available: Who’s left from Dane Brugler’s Top 300?
Draft pick grades: Nick Baumgardner, Scott Dochterman rate Rounds 2-3
Full draft order: Team picks for all 257 selections
“The Athletic Football Show”: Watch live reaction to the draft
‘The Beast’ breakdown
Rosengarten ranked No. 69 in Dane Brugler’s Top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:
A two-year starter at Washington, Rosengarten secured the right tackle position in former offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s zone-based scheme. After practicing as a left tackle his first two years on campus, he moved to the right side before the 2022 season when Michael Penix Jr. transferred to Seattle so he could protect the lefty quarterback’s blindside.
In both the run game and pass protection, Rosengarten explodes out of his stance with enough quickness to find the correct angles and work his hands into correct position. However, he needs to play with better timing to compensate for his average core strength and inconsistent bend — or things unravel quickly (see his tape against Michigan in his final game in the 2023 national championship game).
Overall, Rosengarten’s pass protection won’t win any beauty pageants, but his feet stay active, and he trusts his handwork and eyes to execute his blocks. He projects as an immediate swing tackle for an offense with the potential to be a dependable starter if he continues to develop (stylistically similar to Garett Bolles).
Roger that❗
We have selected OT Roger Rosengarten with pick No. 62❗ @roger_73r pic.twitter.com/6ERE6D85o1
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 27, 2024
How he fits
Rosengarten immediately becomes a candidate to start at right tackle, where the Ravens have an opening after trading veteran Morgan Moses to the New York Jets this offseason. The Ravens also lost both of their starting guards in free agency, so their offensive line is still under construction. But Rosengarten is another potential starting option for a team that’s looking to solidify its offensive line. Rosengarten was considered one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the draft and posted the fastest 40-time (4.92) at the NFL Scouting Combine. He’s a fluid mover with good range, and his strength is his run blocking, a must in the Ravens offense.
Advertisement
Rookie impact
Rosengarten has plenty of work to do before we’ll have a good sense of whether he’s ready to be a plug-and-play starter. Per Brugler, he just has average core strength and he struggles to anchor against power rushers. He also needs to work on his timing and technique. However, his athleticism, length and quick feet are a good start. Obviously, there will be a learning curve with every rookie, and Rosengarten will have to stay healthy. However, the Ravens have a ton of faith in offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris’ ability to teach and develop young linemen. There’s no reason to think that Rosengarten won’t contribute as a rookie.
Depth-chart impact
The Ravens don’t traditionally hand starting jobs to rookies before their first practice, so they’ll presumably have Rosengarten in a training camp competition with 2022 fourth-round pick Daniel Faalele. Rosengarten starting at right tackle would allow veteran Patrick Mekari to remain in the sixth offensive lineman role, where he’s excelled. The Ravens offensive line is starting to take shape, but they still have work to do at guard.
They also could have picked …
It seemed like a formality that the Ravens would select an offensive lineman in Day 2. When they were on the clock, they had plenty of options, including BYU tackle Kingsley Suamataia and Connecticut guard Christian Haynes and Kansas State guard Cooper Beebe. The Ravens opted for Rosengarten.
Fast evaluation
When the Ravens picked Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins in the first round, they almost had no choice but to use one of their Day 2 picks on an offensive tackle. Rosengarten was one of the better options available. He has a lot of improving to do, but the Ravens know how to develop offensive linemen.
(Photo: Brian Rothmuller / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
