In a season where the Baltimore Ravens have positioned themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders, the contributions of their rookie class have been an underappreciated catalyst.
The Ravens, renowned for their ability to build through the draft, saw two of their rookies—offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten and cornerback Nate Wiggins—named to The 33rd Team’s 2024 All-Rookie Team. These first-year standouts aren’t just making waves individually; they’re integral to a Ravens roster that’s firing on all cylinders as the playoffs approach.
Baltimore’s rookie class exemplifies the franchise’s knack for unearthing talent that fits their identity. It’s no coincidence that in a year where the Ravens have a league-high four players on Pro Football Focus’s All-Pro Team and are widely viewed as one of the NFL’s best-run organizations, their rookies are thriving in crucial roles.
The best crop of defensive players from the Class of 2024 🔒 https://t.co/5EC4GC9Xp8 pic.twitter.com/rpIHDwSiq2
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) January 8, 2025
Baltimore Ravens rookies keep Super Bowl dreams alive
Take Roger Rosengarten, for example. The second-round pick has seamlessly stepped into a starting role on the offensive line, shielding Lamar Jackson and paving the way for Derrick Henry’s nearly 2,000-yard season. His ability to hold his own against elite pass rushers has been pivotal to Baltimore’s offensive dominance, allowing Jackson to deliver an MVP-caliber performance.
It’s no exaggeration to say the Ravens’ balanced attack begins in the trenches, and Rosengarten has proven himself to be an invaluable piece of that puzzle.
On the other side of the ball, Nate Wiggins has elevated a defense that ranks first in scoring since Week 11. The rookie cornerback has been a revelation, locking down top receivers and making quarterbacks think twice before targeting his side of the field.
Wiggins’ physical play style and knack for breaking up passes have bolstered a secondary that already features stars like Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton. His presence has allowed the Ravens to play with a swagger and aggression that’s fueled their late-season surge.
The impact of these rookies reflects a broader trend: no team operates like the Ravens. According to a recent survey of executives across the four major sports leagues, Baltimore ranks as the best-run NFL franchise and third overall. This consistency at the top trickles down to every aspect of the organization, from draft-day decisions to game-day execution. General manager Eric DeCosta and his team know exactly what it means to be a Raven, and their ability to find and develop players like Rosengarten and Wiggins is why Baltimore remains a perennial contender.
As the Ravens prepare for another Super Bowl push, it’s clear that their success is a collective effort. From MVP candidates to All-Pro veterans to rookies stepping up in the biggest moments, Baltimore’s roster is built to win now and for years to come.
Should the Ravens hoist the Lombardi Trophy this season, it won’t just be a celebration of their stars but also of the young talent that’s proven itself this season. Rosengarten and Wiggins may be rookies, but their contributions are anything but small. The future looks bright.