Ravens rookie already shifting the narrative of controversial offseason trade

Not sure if you've heard, but the Baltimore Ravens lost a few starting linemen this past offseason. Starting guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson left in free agency while right tackle Morgan Moses was traded to the New York Jets for draft compensation.

With their second-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, Baltimore selected University of Washington tackle Roger Rosengarten. The hope was Rosengarten would eventually make his way into the starting rotation and be a formidable offensive line piece for years to come.

Rosengarten was chosen with the Ravens' pick. The draft capital they acquired from the Jets netted them rookie receiver Tez Walker and center Nick Samac. Neither has played a down for the Ravens thus far, but expectations are high - especially with Walker.

Rosengarten got his first start this past weekend against the Buffalo Bills, and fortunately, he looks like a rising star. While it's only been one start, it's easy to see that the rookie is shifting the narrative of the Morgan Moses trade, making the Ravens look brilliant.

Roger Rosengarten's impressive first start should shift the Morgan Moses trade narrative

In the aftermath of the Moses trade, there were legitimate concerns over how the offensive line would function. Moses was one of the more consistent linemen for Baltimore last year, and his departure left a gaping hole that many thought couldn't be filled unless the team made another trade or signed another offensive tackle in free agency.

However, Moses is a 33-year-old tackle who will be an unrestricted free agent this upcoming season, while Rosengarten is 22 years old and on a rookie deal.

Without a clear sense of who would be starting on the offensive line, the Ravens deployed an offensive line rotation. Through the first two weeks, it looked like, without Moses, Baltimore would never figure out their O-line puzzle. However, things have started to change and it's all because of rookie second-round pick Roger Rosengarten.

Coming off his first career start against the Buffalo Bills this past Sunday night, Rosengarten played very well and (should have) earned the starting right tackle job.

Furthermore, playing every snap, the rookie earned the Ravens’ highest offensive line grade (75.9). The second-round pick delivered a crucial block on Henry’s 87-yard touchdown during the offense’s opening play.

Like other rookie offensive linemen and rookies in general, it took Rosengarten some time to get comfortable with the speed in the NFL. He's come a long way since his first snap. At one point in time, it felt like the Ravens made a terrible decision trading Moses to the Jets. In hindsight, they very well may have just found a cornerstone offensive lineman for the next decade.

According to Pro Football Focus, for the season, Rosengarten has a grade of 67.6 which isn't all that impressive compared to the league's best, but, compared to Moses, he's already playing significantly better than his counterpart. Moses' PFF grade is 51.2 for the season, and now it looks like he'll miss some time with an MCL sprain.

Roger Rosengarten’s impressive first start has already begun to rewrite the narrative surrounding the Morgan Moses trade. What once looked like a risky move is now starting to feel like a stroke of genius. Rosengarten, at 22 years old and on a rookie deal, has stepped up and is proving he can be a key piece of the Ravens’ offensive line for years to come.

While it’s still early, the comparison to Moses—who’s now sidelined with an MCL sprain—shows the rookie is already outplaying the veteran. With Rosengarten in the lineup, the Ravens’ offensive line suddenly looks much more solid, and the concerns about losing Moses seem to be fading fast.

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