Report: LT Eugene Monroe one of Ravens' priorities

[izvoodoo]

And the fact that we finally have the chance at stability at LT.  We haven't had that since JO.  Gaither looked to be the future, but continued his laziness.  Oher didn't work out.  McKinnie was always a short term solution.  We have the chance to sign a guy that has already proven that he can be a consistent presence at one of the team's black holes for many years.  He's a must keep guy.

Especially when you draft an LT he usually doesn't perform well for 2 years.

 

Another reason we traded for monroe was to keep Joe healthy.  McKinnie was a sieve.

[Ravenslifer]

I don't think the market is weak for a LT. Is Yanda and elite guard? Yes he's had one bad season this year. Is Monroe an elite tackle? No he's was never a consistent player even when he was with the Jaguars. If Brandon Albert wants elite LT money so will Monroe. Teams have overpaid players like Jermon Bushrod and Jake Long mediocre LTs who still got 35 million. Do I think Monroe is worth paying that much? No

 

7.5 million is actually right around or just outside the top 10 for left tackle money, and I'd say that's where Monroe is right now.  He's certainly better than Bushrod or Long with all of Long's injuries.  And the choice is between possibly overpaying the LT by a million dollars or two vs. possibly not having one.  Just looking at the draft last year and team needs this year, I see absolutely no reason why any of the top 3 left tackles will make it past the first 10 picks. Atlanta, Buffalo, and St. Louis all need tackles.  Even if one slides, Tennessee could take a guy because Roos is a free agent next year, the Giants need a tackle, and the Bears could use one also.

 

The Ravens didn't trade 2 picks for Monroe because they wanted a one year rental - you can be sure they'd already discussed the possibility of landing one of this year's tackle class, and they probably realized that even if we hadn't traded for Monroe we'd still end up with too low of a draft pick to land an elite prospect.

[izvoodoo]

7.5 million is actually right around or just outside the top 10 for left tackle money, and I'd say that's where Monroe is right now.  He's certainly better than Bushrod or Long with all of Long's injuries.  And the choice is between possibly overpaying the LT by a million dollars or two vs. possibly not having one.  Just looking at the draft last year and team needs this year, I see absolutely no reason why any of the top 3 left tackles will make it past the first 10 picks. Atlanta, Buffalo, and St. Louis all need tackles.  Even if one slides, Tennessee could take a guy because Roos is a free agent next year, the Giants need a tackle, and the Bears could use one also.

 

The Ravens didn't trade 2 picks for Monroe because they wanted a one year rental - you can be sure they'd already discussed the possibility of landing one of this year's tackle class, and they probably realized that even if we hadn't traded for Monroe we'd still end up with too low of a draft pick to land an elite prospect.

Some of them need RTs.  A LT in his third year that's been ok or underperforming is almost a surer thing than an LT in his rookie season who's coming out of auburn

[Ravenslifer]

Some of them need RTs.  A LT in his third year that's been ok or underperforming is almost a surer thing than an LT in his rookie season who's coming out of auburn

 

True, but what's to stop someone from drafting a top prospect, letting him play on the right side, then switching him over to the left in a few seasons?  Yeah Oher failed to do it, but a lot of left tackles in the league actually started on the opposite side and switched after a few seasons, because they were nabbed when someone was already in place.  A lot of teams are following the BPA strategy these days.  Just looking at it, Jake Long is once again injured, so I don't see why St. Louis wouldn't take the top LT.  Atlanta could do what I said and take a guy to replace Holmes and be insurance for Sam Baker.  Tampa Bay could use one, Pittsburgh could use one.  Realistically I don't see how Matthews or Robinson falls out of the top 10, and I don't know if I'd take Lewan.  So I don't see why the front office, who already traded 2 picks for Monroe who's only going to be 27 this year, would let him go, and I don't see why, if we have him, we'd draft a left tackle in the first round.

 

And I also look at it this way - we won the Superbowl with a much worse left tackle than Monroe.  The differences this year were 2 things: 1) lack of a run game, and 2) lack of a move-the-chains first down receiver.  The run game was mainly because of the right side of the line e.g. Oher and Gino - Gino could use competition, but not first round competition.  Oher should be replaced, but not by a first round pick.  So we have the opportunity to solve the second problem in the first round with one of the top TE or receiver talents, and still get a very good center and right tackle later.  I just think getting a dynamic playmaker on offense in the first round solves a lot more issues than drafting a future left tackle when we already have a left tackle we can resign on the roster.

[bMore Heathen]

I really can't see a situation where we don't re sign Monroe. We already gave up 2 picks for him and if we use our 1st rounder on another LT, that's 3 of our top 5 picks on 1 player. There's no way Ozzie would let that happen when we have the franchise tag. We will make room for it if we have to, but Monroe will defiantly be a Raven next year.

[redrum52]

I really can't see a situation where we don't re sign Monroe. We already gave up 2 picks for him and if we use our 1st rounder on another LT, that's 3 of our top 5 picks on 1 player. There's no way Ozzie would let that happen when we have the franchise tag. We will make room for it if we have to, but Monroe will defiantly be a Raven next year.

Too much money from another team.  This is the most concerning move.  If he can't be re-signed at a reasonable cost this team's in trouble.  Might also force our hand with Suggs' contract as well if something isn't worked out soon.  I think it would be in the teams best interest to try and get something done before FA starts, if possible.

[bMore Heathen]

Too much money from another team. This is the most concerning move. If he can't be re-signed at a reasonable cost this team's in trouble. Might also force our hand with Suggs' contract as well if something isn't worked out soon. I think it would be in the teams best interest to try and get something done before FA starts, if possible.

The franchise tag gets put on before free agency begins so no other team can make an offer to him. That's kinda the point of it. The problem is it's the average salary of the top 3 LTs in the league for next year. It would be costly, but it would allow us to keep him off the market.

[Dewy101]

If you don't think Monroe is worth 35 million you're probably never going to pay an LT ever. Because that's really not that much for Monroe.

Misunderstood what I was trying to say. Bushrod and Long are overpaid and are mediocre. Monroe may want elite money like Albert does

[Dewy101]

7.5 million is actually right around or just outside the top 10 for left tackle money, and I'd say that's where Monroe is right now. He's certainly better than Bushrod or Long with all of Long's injuries. And the choice is between possibly overpaying the LT by a million dollars or two vs. possibly not having one. Just looking at the draft last year and team needs this year, I see absolutely no reason why any of the top 3 left tackles will make it past the first 10 picks. Atlanta, Buffalo, and St. Louis all need tackles. Even if one slides, Tennessee could take a guy because Roos is a free agent next year, the Giants need a tackle, and the Bears could use one also.

The Ravens didn't trade 2 picks for Monroe because they wanted a one year rental - you can be sure they'd already discussed the possibility of landing one of this year's tackle class, and they probably realized that even if we hadn't traded for Monroe we'd still end up with too low of a draft pick to land an elite prospect.

Misunderstood what I was trying to say. Bushrod and Long are overpaid and are mediocre. Monroe may want elite money like Albert does do I think he's worth that much no

[BmoreBird22]

 

Jeff fisher believes in developing lineman there's no way they take an OT waste of their pick not to mention a RT is a need, not LT. They have holes at S, WR, and LB. I expect Jake Long to be healthy at seasons start. Honestly how many mock drafts are accurate these so called "experts" guess maybe 4 or 5 picks correct the rest are always wrong. I wouldn't mind retaining Monroe but if he wants elite LT money he's not worth it. PFF graded him out as the 12th best LT. His run blocking isn't great and he does get beat in pass blocking. I'd pay him just not the elite money that he may want

Not the 12th best left tackle, the 12th best tackle. He was the 7th best pass blocking left tackle in the league, something extremely valuable to us. 

By the way, PFF doesn't take into account the chemistry of the offensive line. When you have to come to a new team and play with a backup left guard, you won't do well. Offensive lines thrive under chemistry and continuity, something Monroe didn't experience.

Look at the Pro-Bowl. The best offensive lineman in the league (for the most part) and how well did those offensive lines do? Not very because they lacked chemistry. 

I believe he's an elite left tackle.

If we go by PFF, he's always a top 10 left tackle, aside from his rookie year. He was number three in 2011, number 10 last year, and number 10 this year. Once he gets a full offseason with the Ravens and a competent left guard, he'll be golden.

[izvoodoo]

Misunderstood what I was trying to say. Bushrod and Long are overpaid and are mediocre. Monroe may want elite money like Albert does

You're right.  I misunderstood.  Gotcha now.

[Grapple Raven]

This is an interview from yesterday on WNST with Eugene Monroe...from Monroe's own mouth:  http://bit.ly/MTUf4v

 

Appears to me Monroe is set to let his agent get the best deal for him, where ever that may be, meaning that he doesn't seem really committed to Baltimore but more looking for the big payday.

[Alexir]

Will there be a solid LT at 15/16?

[izvoodoo]

Will there be a solid LT at 15/16?

No.  Not a plug and play type of player.

[redrum52]

I think Monroe will be perfect for Kubiaks system.  Retaining him keeps stability on the line.  As far as I'm concerned, he's more important to the team than Pitta.  He affects the run and pass game.  He needs to be the #1 priority.  Something Preston said makes sense.  The faster the Suggs situation is settled, we should have a clearer idea of what's happening with the other pieces.

[izvoodoo]

This is an interview from yesterday on WNST with Eugene Monroe...from Monroe's own mouth:  http://bit.ly/MTUf4v

 

Appears to me Monroe is set to let his agent get the best deal for him, where ever that may be, meaning that he doesn't seem really committed to Baltimore but more looking for the big payday.

That post rookie contract is their largest payday of their career.  Can hardly hold it against him.

But I'd tag him.  Make the cap work, sacrifice anything else, I'm not waiting around for another LT

[BmoreBird22]

 

This is an interview from yesterday on WNST with Eugene Monroe...from Monroe's own mouth:  http://bit.ly/MTUf4v

 

Appears to me Monroe is set to let his agent get the best deal for him, where ever that may be, meaning that he doesn't seem really committed to Baltimore but more looking for the big payday.

I think he said what every player would say. Who's going to be like, "Yeah, I'm gonna take a massive pay cut for the Ravens. I want to be here, so don't even worry about paying me." No, not going to happen. 

He's saying all the right things, but I think he wants to be back in Baltimore. His wife wants him back here and he was finally on a winning team. He even said how much people want to be here. I think he's subtly trying to make the Ravens want to pay for him, and I'm sure they will.

[52520Andrew]

All I know is that I will breathe a massive sigh of relief if we can get Monroe re-signed(knock on wood)

[JO_75]

This is an interview from yesterday on WNST with Eugene Monroe...from Monroe's own mouth:  http://bit.ly/MTUf4v

 

Appears to me Monroe is set to let his agent get the best deal for him, where ever that may be, meaning that he doesn't seem really committed to Baltimore but more looking for the big payday.

 

Not good. This will suck because the 4th/5th round picks we gave up will have gone to waste if he leaves for more money. We just need to Franchise him and give us time to work something out with him.

[gabefergy]

Not good. This will suck because the 4th/5th round picks we gave up will have gone to waste if he leaves for more money. We just need to Franchise him and give us time to work something out with him.

I don't get why people keep saying this. Those picks didn't go to waste. We had Monroe in Baltimore for most of the season. You don't get a player like him for free. Even though we didn't make the playoffs he helped the team a lot and was probably our best and most consistent player on offense.

[The Raven]

I don't get why people keep saying this. Those picks didn't go to waste. We had Monroe in Baltimore for most of the season. You don't get a player like him for free. Even though we didn't make the playoffs he helped the team a lot and was probably our best and most consistent player on offense.

 

No, sorry, those picks ARE a waste if we don't re-sign him. Picks are an investment in the future. We traded two potential future contributors for a one year rental in a year we weren't even relevant. If that's not a waste I don't know what is. 

[izvoodoo]

No, sorry, those picks ARE a waste if we don't re-sign him. Picks are an investment in the future. We traded two potential future contributors for a one year rental in a year we weren't even relevant. If that's not a waste I don't know what is. 

Again... if he leaves we get one of those picks back.  And if we signed him and hadn't traded him we'd lose a comp pick.  Probably the 4th.  Basically we rented him for a fifth,

You have to think of compensatory picks when talking about trading for players.

[The Raven]

Again... if he leaves we get one of those picks back.  And if we signed him and hadn't traded him we'd lose a comp pick.  Probably the 4th.  Basically we rented him for a fifth,

You have to think of compensatory picks when talking about trading for players.

 

That's true, I overlooked that aspect. 

[izvoodoo]

That's true, I overlooked that aspect. 

It's better to have the picks, but you're insuring yourself a 4th rounder when you traded for him since you get the pick for losing him.

Even if we sign Brandon Albert or another player it'd be a wash since the player we signed is of similar value to the one lost.  Also he kept Joe Healthier than he would have been and we can franchise tag him.

Hopefully we can work something out, but it was a savvy trade. It may hurt us, but it was a good management move.

[Gordo52]

Again... if he leaves we get one of those picks back. And if we signed him and hadn't traded him we'd lose a comp pick. Probably the 4th. Basically we rented him for a fifth,

You have to think of compensatory picks when talking about trading for players.

Good points

[gabefergy]

It's better to have the picks, but you're insuring yourself a 4th rounder when you traded for him since you get the pick for losing him.

Even if we sign Brandon Albert or another player it'd be a wash since the player we signed is of similar value to the one lost. Also he kept Joe Healthier than he would have been and we can franchise tag him.

Hopefully we can work something out, but it was a savvy trade. It may hurt us, but it was a good management move.

The only way it really hurts is not having mid round picks that allow some movement in the draft. I'll take a rental of a player like Monroe for a 5th round pick any day of the week.

[gabefergy]

No, sorry, those picks ARE a waste if we don't re-sign him. Picks are an investment in the future. We traded two potential future contributors for a one year rental in a year we weren't even relevant. If that's not a waste I don't know what is.

Would it have been a waste had we made the playoffs? Seriously though, 4th and 5th round picks rarely contribute much other than depth.

[Mt. Crushmore]

Suggs' new deal definitely has a positive impact on a potential Monroe deal

[rmw10]

The only way it really hurts is not having mid round picks that allow some movement in the draft. I'll take a rental of a player like Monroe for a 5th round pick any day of the week.

 

And even if he wasn't the difference in us making the playoffs or not, he definitely made a difference in not getting Joe killed.  We had to protect that investment.  It didn't pay off completely since we didn't win the Super Bowl, but Monroe paid his due in ways that don't show up on the stat card or on the record.  Protect my QB.  For a 5th round pick (if we lose him), I'd say it was more than worth it.

[Purple_ICE 81]

Eugene Monroe not taking a hometown discount with the Ravens...looking to get paid $9M-$10M per year.

 

 

UH-OH!!!!