Proving how competitive life is in the NFL, the Baltimore Ravens have a pair of solid veteran cornerbacks whose roles could be pushed or changed by a talented rookie. Also, another rookie will battle for a starting position on the offensive line. The rookies in the mix are cornerback Nate Wiggins and tackle Roger Rosengarten.
Wiggins is a 6-foot-2, 185-pounder out of Clemson. He was drafted in the first round at pick No. 30 overall. His athleticism is off the charts, but his slight build could be a hindrance earlier in his NFL career.
Size is no issue for the 6-6, 300-pound Rosengarten, a second-round selection. And he has the best path for a quick starting position.
Ravens CB Nate Wiggins is a burner
Wiggins flashes sub-4.3 speed, which is well above cornerback average. It will give him the opportunity to close quickly, and potentially make game-changing plays.
And it's a big reason why he can make standout cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens uncomfortable with their starting spots. Humphrey likely isn't going anywhere because of his stature with the team and overall talent. But he has dealt with injuries over the last three years.
Stephens finds competition from Wiggins despite coming off his best year. He totaled 61 tackles with two interceptions.
Wiggins should see time as a rotational corner. But for him to supplant Stephens he will likely need to add bulk without slowing his elite wheels. Still just 20 years old, Wiggins has time and room to grow. But the younger age could play a role in whether the Ravens want him in the mix on a consistent basis.
The good news for Wiggins is the Ravens don't need him to start right away. There's time for him to develop behind a pair of sturdy NFL corners.
Also weighing in his favor is the Ravens' penchant for moving their defensive players around the field, which might open spot duty at the cornerback position. There's already talk of moving Humphrey into the slot and starting Wiggins and Stephens at the corners.
Ravens may insert Roger Rosengarten into starting lineup
Rosengarten protected the blind side for Washington's left-handed QB Michael Penix Jr. over the last two seasons.
When the Ravens traded veteran Morgan Moses, drafting Rosengarten in the second round at pick N0. 62 made a lot of sense. And with Moses out of the picture, Rosengarten's main competition will be inconsistent third-year player Daniel Faalele.
It should be noted, however, that Rosengarten is not considered a polished product. He is mobile, which portends well for his future in a league where athleticism is required even along the offensive lines.
Rosengarten ran a 4.92 in the 40 during the NFL combine. That was the fastest mark by an offensive lineman and the best time by any player weighing 300 pounds or more. Another thing that stands out is his college success. He did not allow a sack in 1,158 pass-blocking plays, which is the best mark for an FBS lineman over the last two years.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson may take to the rookie quickly. Moses allowed nine sacks of Jackson in 2023.
If Rosengarten protects Jackson at the same level he did Penix, it will be a big deal for the Ravens. They didn't lose a game last season when they gave up less than three sacks.
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