Roger Rosengarten eyeing games against elite pass rushers shows competitive fire

Eric DeCosta and the Baltimore Ravens knew they needed to land an offensive tackle in the 2024 NFL Draft due to the fairly precarious situation on the offensive line, and they managed to check that box in a more emphatic way than most thought possible when they sniped Washington star Roger Rosengarten in the second round.

Baltimore has an open casting call for the right tackle job, as everyone from incumbent Daniel Faalele to new signing Josh Jones and everyone in between is going to get some consideration for the starting role. Eventually, however, the role is expected to transition to Rosengarten.

The rookie is not going to get an easy introduction to the pros, as he will face three quality defenses and multiple Pro Bowl pass rushers in his division. Rosengarten seems unbothered by this, which is the exact mindset Baltimore wants to see.

"I was like, I'm going to be going against the best of the best within the Ravens organization and then the rest of the division," Rosengarten on "The Lounge" podcast. "There's some freak athletes out there and I think those guys on the edge are definitely top of the pedestal when it comes to that. I just love the challenge though, want to bring it every day."

Ravens rookie Roger Rosengarten excited to face elite AFC North pass rushers

Rosengarten's first matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers will likely include duels with TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith right off the bat. Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard make up a terrific duo on the Cincinnati Bengals defensive line, and Cleveland Browns sensation Myles Garrett may be the best at his position in the league.

Rosengarten's pass blocking will be tested early, but it was his pass protection that earned him such high marks during his college career at Washington. Serving as Michael Penix Jr's blindside protector, Rosengarten didn't allow a sack during his final two seasons with the Huskies.

Baltimore is taking a big risk on their offensive line, as they are likely going to entrust two players with a combined zero NFL starts in Rosengarten and Andrew Vorhees to both block for Derrick Henry and keep MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson up in the pocket. It's a tall order, but Rosengarten isn't shying away from it.

If Rosengarten can keep stars like Garrett and Watt at bay during his rookie season, Baltimore can sleep easy knowing they drafted another star on Day 2.