When the Baltimore Ravens turned in the card for Robert Longerbeam at the 212th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a lot of people probably just saw another Day 3 name. Just a guy from Rutgers filling out a roster. But if you’ve actually watched the tape from his time under Greg Schiano, you know that’s not the case.
Robert Longerbeam isn't just a "depth piece." Honestly, he’s one of those players that makes you wonder how he lasted until the sixth round. He’s 5'11" and about 175 pounds, which, yeah, is a bit wiry for the NFL. But the dude plays like he’s 200 pounds and has the track speed to back it up. We’re talking about a guy who clocked a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the Combine.
That kind of speed doesn't just happen.
The Robert Longerbeam NFL Draft Journey: More Than Just Metrics
A lot of the pre-draft chatter around Longerbeam was focused on his weight. Scouts were worried he’d get bullied by the "alpha" receivers in the league. It's a fair concern. If you’re lining up against a guy like A.J. Brown, you need some mass. But what the metrics don't show is his spatial awareness.
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During his time at Rutgers, Longerbeam was basically a pass-breakup machine. He led the Big Ten with 13 passes defended in 2024. He has this weird, innate ability to know exactly when the ball is arriving without even looking back. It’s a "feel" thing. You either have it or you don't.
Why the Baltimore Ravens Jumped on Him
Eric DeCosta, the Ravens' GM, called it a "no-brainer." That’s a strong word for a sixth-rounder. But the Ravens have a type. They love guys with high "football IQ" and versatile skill sets. Longerbeam spent five years at Rutgers, starting 31 games. He wasn't some one-hit wonder; he was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and a team captain.
The Ravens see him as a slot stud. In the modern NFL, the nickel corner is basically a starter anyway. You need someone who can mirror those shifty slot receivers and transition out of breaks instantly.
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.39 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 36.5 inches
- Broad Jump: 11'2" (This was the best among all cornerbacks at the 2025 Combine)
That broad jump is the real kicker. It shows incredible explosive power in his lower body. That’s how he closes the gap on a slant route before the QB even finishes his drop.
Scouting Report: Strengths and Weaknesses
If we're being real, Longerbeam has some hurdles. His tackling can be hit or miss because of his frame. He's a willing tackler—he doesn't shy away from contact—but sometimes he just doesn't have the "stopping power" to bring down a 220-pound running back in the open field.
His play strength at the top of the route is another thing to watch. Bigger receivers can sometimes use their bodies to box him out. But his footwork? It’s elite. He stays low in his backpedal and doesn't panic when a receiver starts getting vertical.
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He’s also a legacy. His mom was a track coach and a record-breaking sprinter. His dad has been coaching high school football for 40 years. Longerbeam basically grew up in a film room and on a track. That kind of background shows up in the way he processes the game. He isn't guessing out there; he's reacting.
Life After the Draft: The Knee Injury Setback
The hype train took a bit of a hit in August 2025. During training camp, Longerbeam suffered a knee injury and was placed on injured reserve. It’s a bummer, especially for a guy who was competing for a specific role in a crowded secondary.
But if you know anything about his career at Rutgers, you know he’s a grinder. He stayed for a fifth year to refine his game and improve his stock. This is just another obstacle. For the Ravens, he’s a long-term developmental project with a very high ceiling. They didn't draft him for a quick fix; they drafted him because they believe he can be a fixture in their secondary for years.
The Verdict on Robert Longerbeam
Is he going to be an All-Pro next year? Probably not. But Robert Longerbeam has the "twitch" that NFL coaches drool over. He’s quick-footed, incredibly intelligent, and has some of the best ball skills coming out of the 2025 class.
If he can spend a year in an NFL weight room—properly bulking up without losing that 4.39 speed—he could easily become one of the best nickel corners in the league. The Ravens have a history of finding gems on Day 3, and Longerbeam looks like he’s next in line.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans and Analysts:
- Watch the 2025 Rate Bowl tape: Longerbeam had seven tackles and a crucial interception against Kansas State. It’s the perfect showcase of his range.
- Monitor the Ravens' IR list: His return to the practice field in 2026 will be a major indicator of his recovery and standing in the defensive rotation.
- Check his slot vs. outside splits: While he played outside at Rutgers, his future is in the nickel. Pay attention to his transition drills during the next preseason to see if his hip fluidity has returned post-injury.