Ravens 2024 Rookie Report: Nate Wiggins and Roger Rosengarten Emerge as Key Starters

a football player in a purple uniform

The Baltimore Ravens continued their commitment to developing young talent in 2024, with multiple rookies stepping into crucial roles during their 10-plus win season and back-to-back AFC North titles. Out of their nine draft picks, eight made the final roster, and seven played in at least four games, providing valuable contributions on both offense and defense.

While first-round pick Nate Wiggins and second-rounder Roger Rosengarten emerged as immediate impact starters, several Day 3 selections and undrafted players carved out key roles on special teams.

Here’s a full breakdown of how Baltimore’s rookie class performed in their first NFL season.


CB Nate Wiggins – The Shutdown Corner

🟣 Round 1, Pick 30
🟣 College: Clemson
🟣 Key Stats: ✔️ 0 touchdowns allowed in the regular season
✔️ 34 receptions allowed (47.8% completion rate)
✔️ 13 pass breakups, 1 INT, 1 forced fumble
✔️ 33 total tackles (25 solo), 5 TFL

Baltimore entered the 2024 NFL Draft in search of a shutdown corner, and they may have found one in Nate Wiggins. General Manager Eric DeCosta called him the “best cover corner in the draft”, and Wiggins backed up that claim with an elite rookie season.

Wiggins held his own against some of the NFL’s top wide receivers, including:

  • Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals)
  • CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys)
  • Malik Nabers (Giants)

In a Week 15 showdown against New York, the Giants targeted Nabers three times in the red zone—and Wiggins locked him down each time.

🔊 “In a matchup of first-round rookies, the Giants tried to hit Malik Nabers for touchdowns three times when matched up 1-on-1 with Nate Wiggins near the goal line. Wiggins put the clamps on all three.”Ryan Mink (@ryanmink)

Despite early-season struggles with penalties, Wiggins refined his technique and became a true lockdown corner. His only allowed touchdown came in the playoffs against Pittsburgh, but he quickly made up for it by scoring his first career TD on an interception return.

The Future:

With Wiggins and veteran Marlon Humphrey, the Ravens now have one of the NFL’s best cornerback duos, ranking top five in lowest opposing passer ratings.


OT Roger Rosengarten – The Future of the Offensive Line

🟣 Round 2, Pick 62
🟣 College: Washington
🟣 Key Stats: ✔️ Started 13 games (including playoffs)
✔️ Allowed just 4 sacks in 786 snaps
✔️ Shut down T.J. Watt in the playoffs

Rosengarten had a rough debut, allowing a sack on his first career snap—but he bounced back in a big way. After rotating early in the season with Patrick Mekari, Rosengarten took over as the full-time starter at right tackle following injuries on the offensive line.

His best performances came against elite pass rushers, including: ✔️ T.J. Watt (Steelers)Limited to 0 sacks, 0 QB hits in Wild Card round
✔️ Myles Garrett (Browns) – Held his own against the reigning Defensive Player of the Year

Despite calling himself a “nobody” in a viral clip against Myles Garrett on Hard Knocks, Rosengarten proved to be anything but.

The Future:

With Ronnie Stanley’s future uncertain, Rosengarten could transition to left tackle or remain a long-term right tackle solution.


OLB Adisa Isaac – Flashes of Potential

🟣 Round 3, Pick 93
🟣 College: Penn State
🟣 Key Stats: ✔️ 4 games played
✔️ 3 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 batted pass

Isaac’s rookie year was limited by injury and a deep edge-rushing rotation, but he showed glimpses of playmaking ability in his Week 4 debut against Buffalo.

The Future:

With Kyle Van Noy and Jadeveon Clowney hitting free agency, Isaac could see a larger role in 2025.


WR Devontez Walker – Speed Threat in Development

🟣 Round 4, Pick 112
🟣 College: North Carolina
🟣 Key Stats: ✔️ 1 reception (1 TD)
✔️ 155 special teams snaps

Walker didn’t see many offensive opportunities, but he made the most of his first targetscoring a touchdown. While his role in the offense was limited, he became a key special teams contributor.

The Future:

Walker has the potential to be Baltimore’s next deep threat, similar to Torrey Smith.


CB T.J. Tampa – Special Teams Contributor

🟣 Round 4, Pick 130
🟣 College: Iowa State
🟣 Key Stats: ✔️ 5 games played
✔️ 4 tackles

Tampa was considered one of the biggest steals of the draft, but he spent most of his rookie year on special teams due to a deep cornerback room.

The Future:

With another year of development, Tampa could compete for defensive snaps in 2025.


RB Rasheen Ali – Depth Back & Kick Returner

🟣 Round 5, Pick 151
🟣 College: Marshall
🟣 Key Stats: ✔️ 107 kick return yards (4 attempts, long of 38 yards)
✔️ 10 carries, 31 rushing yards

Ali flashed good vision and power in limited opportunities, especially in Week 15 against the Giants. However, Baltimore’s deep backfield limited his role.

The Future:

Ali’s return ability could make him a key special teams player in 2025.


IOL Nick Samac – Developmental Prospect

🟣 Round 7, Pick 228
🟣 College: Michigan State
🟣 Key Stats: Did not play in 2024

Samac made the final roster but spent the entire season as a healthy scratch.

The Future:

With Ben Cleveland possibly leaving in free agency, Samac could compete for a backup interior line role.


DB Sanoussi Kane – Special Teams Standout

🟣 Round 7, Pick 247
🟣 College: Purdue
🟣 Key Stats: ✔️ 9 tackles
✔️ Played 325 special teams snaps

Kane impressed as a gunner on punt coverage, quickly earning a key special teams role.

The Future:

Kane could develop into a key depth safety while continuing his special teams dominance.


Final Rookie Class Grades

Player Round Grade Role
Nate Wiggins 1 A Immediate starter
Roger Rosengarten 2 A- Locked down right tackle
Adisa Isaac 3 C+ Flashed potential, limited snaps
Devontez Walker 4 C Depth WR, core special teamer
T.J. Tampa 4 C- Primarily special teams
Rasheen Ali 5 C Return game impact
Nick Samac 7 Incomplete Developmental
Sanoussi Kane 7 B Special teams ace

Final Thoughts

✔️ Nate Wiggins and Roger Rosengarten emerged as cornerstones for Baltimore.
✔️ Day 3 picks like Kane and Walker became key special teams contributors.
✔️ Several rookies could see bigger roles in 2025.

Which Ravens rookie impressed you the most? Drop your thoughts below! 🔥🏈💜

Comments

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    © Copyright - TheFlockReport.com. 
    Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Site Map