Robert Longerbeam is forcing his way into 53-man roster conversation

The Baltimore Ravens knew Robert Longerbeam would need time. After all, the former sixth-round pick never had a chance to begin his NFL career properly. A torn patellar tendon suffered during training camp wiped out his entire rookie season before it ever truly started.

Now healthy and back on the field, Longerbeam appears determined to make up for lost time. If recent reports are any indication, he is doing exactly that.The second-year cornerback has emerged as one of the more pleasant surprises of Baltimore's offseason program.

He is already creating what could eventually become one of the Ravens' most difficult roster decisions heading into September.The Ravens' competition is fierce, and Robert Longerbeam is making playsRecently, Ryan Mink, the Editorial Director of the Ravens' official website, identified Longerbeam as the most surprising player he observed during the offseason program. That's not insignificant praise.

The Ravens have one of the deepest secondaries in football, yet Longerbeam repeatedly found ways to stand out. Mink cast his vote for Longerbeam as Baltimore's most surprisingly impactful player throughout the offseason program. During practices, he found a way to stand out and consistently find himself around the football."

After losing his rookie year to a knee injury, Longerbeam was not only back on the field this time around, but was also one of the team's most impactful cornerbacks in practices. He got his hands on several passes throughout the four weeks."Earlier in the offseason, Mink also highlighted an interception Longerbeam recorded after stepping in front of a pass intended for Mark Andrews.

Opportunities matter. Production matters more. So far, Longerbeam has taken advantage of both.

Ravens Wire recently mentioned him as one of three standouts from the spring.The challenge isn't whether Longerbeam belongs in the NFL. The challenge is finding room for him on this roster.

Assuming Baltimore keeps six cornerbacks, Marlon Humphrey, Nate W