Breaking News: Ravens Rookie is Already Reshaping the Dialogue Regarding the Disputed Offseason Trade.
The Baltimore Ravens recently traded away an important offensive lineman from last season but are managing well despite this loss.
This past offseason, the Ravens lost several starting linemen, including guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson, who departed in free agency, and right tackle Morgan Moses, who was traded to the New York Jets for draft picks.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, Baltimore used their second-round selection to pick tackle Roger Rosengarten from the University of Washington. The team hopes Rosengarten will eventually become a key player in the offensive line for years to come.
Along with Rosengarten, the draft picks received from the Jets also allowed the Ravens to acquire rookie receiver Tez Walker and center Nick Samac, though neither has yet played. Expectations for Walker are particularly high.
Rosengarten made his first start against the Buffalo Bills last weekend and showed promise. Although it was just one game, his performance may change the narrative surrounding the trade of Moses, making the Ravens’ decision look smart.
Initially, there were concerns about how the offensive line would perform after the Moses trade, as he had been a reliable player for Baltimore. His departure created a significant gap, leading many to believe the team would need to acquire another tackle.
However, while Moses is a 33-year-old unrestricted free agent next season, Rosengarten is just 22 and on a rookie contract. With uncertainty about the offensive line starters, the Ravens initially used a rotation. In the first two weeks, it seemed challenging to establish a solid offensive line without Moses. However, Rosengarten’s emergence has changed that perspective.
Following his debut against the Bills, Rosengarten performed excellently, likely securing the starting right tackle position. He played every snap and received the highest offensive line grade for the Ravens (75.9), making a pivotal block on Henry’s 87-yard touchdown during the team’s first play.
Like many rookie offensive linemen, Rosengarten needed time to adjust to the speed of the NFL. He has significantly improved since his initial appearances. Initially, trading Moses seemed like a poor choice, but the Ravens might have found a cornerstone offensive lineman for the next decade.
According to Pro Football Focus, Rosengarten has a season grade of 67.6, which may not be outstanding compared to top players, but it’s already much better than Moses’s grade of 51.2, especially now that Moses is dealing with an MCL sprain.
Rosengarten’s strong performance in his first start is beginning to reshape opinions about the trade of Morgan Moses. What once seemed like a risky decision now appears to be a clever move. At just 22 years old and on a rookie deal, Rosengarten is proving to be a vital asset for the Ravens’ offensive line.
Although it’s early in the season, comparisons to Moses, who is currently injured, suggest the rookie is outperforming the veteran. With Rosengarten in the lineup, the Ravens’ offensive line appears significantly stronger, alleviating concerns about the loss of Moses.
