OWINGS MILLS — Ravens rookie offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten has looked impressive in training camp.
He will get an opportunity to show that he can be the starter when the Ravens play their first preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night at M&T Bank Stadium. Rosengarten has already played with the other starters in training camp and coach John Harbaugh likes what he’s seen.
“I thought Roger has been doing well. I thought he deserved a shot with the ones, you saw him get a shot with the ones,” coach John Harbaugh said. “So, we’ll just keep working through that and let it play out.”
The Ravens selected Rosengarten in the second round of this year’s draft from the University of Washington, and so far, he’s been a quick study. Rosengarten is adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NFL.
Rosengarten will battle Daniel Faalele and Patrick Mekari for the starting job at right tackle to replace Morgan Moses, who was traded to the Jets. Mekari and Rosengarten can play on the left and right side, and that versatility adds to their value.
“Roger has been great; he’s really immersed in the meetings, [and he’s] really locked in at practice,” Mekario said. “He’s a pro, [and he is] working to get better every day. I like what I’m seeing, so he’s going to get it done; he has a chance.”
At 6 feet 5, 310 pounds, Rosengarten has the size to make an impact this season. He was a two-year starter at right tackle for the Huskies. He protected the blind side of left-handed quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons with the eighth overall pick in this year’s draft.
Rosengarten did not allow a sack in his college career, according to Pro Football Focus.
Rosengarten iseager to compete for a starting job in Baltimore and he will get that chance.
“One thing about Roger – he’s going to play hard, he plays tough, and he competes – and those are three good qualities that the young man has, so the rest of it will come with time, experience, and coaching, hopefully,” Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris said.
Rosengareten is focused on getting better every day. Whether he starts is out of his control.
“It’s a great opportunity, for sure. I don’t try to focus on the end goal too much, but every day .. [I’m] grinding in and out,” Rosengarten said. “I just want to play hard and compete with the best of the best, so I just come [here] every day ready to work and keep stacking days.”
