[News] Eisenberg: Eugene Monroe Is Still On Ravens Roster, And Here's Why

[BR News]

The Ravens drafted Ronnie Stanley with the expectation that he’ll be the starting left tackle for the foreseeable future, but they’ve also stuck with Eugene Monroe. Here are the possible explanations why the team has held onto both so far.

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[cobrajet]

I think it is a smart move to hold on to Monroe. I think that much needed shoulder surgery was long overdue. He knows he needs to perform and I think if he is finally fully healthy, he will perform well and Stanley can learn the position at the NFL level and can step in if Monroe gets re-injured without us having to worry about us having to resort to Hurst.

[VermontRaven]

I find it interesting how nobody is talking about Wagner and right tackle. Wagner had a great year 2 years ago, then struggled and was injured last year. Fans and media seem to be assuming he will be the starting right tackle, but what if Monroe and Stanley prove to be the best 2 tackles on the team? Maybe Stanley starts at RT for a year. Maybe Wagner or someone else plays best at LG. Everything is a competition and the NFL is all about what have you done for me lately. As Harbaugh said, they will start the best 5 linemen, whoever that may be.

[rmcjacket23]

54 minutes ago, VermontRaven said:

I find it interesting how nobody is talking about Wagner and right tackle. Wagner had a great year 2 years ago, then struggled and was injured last year. Fans and media seem to be assuming he will be the starting right tackle, but what if Monroe and Stanley prove to be the best 2 tackles on the team? Maybe Stanley starts at RT for a year. Maybe Wagner or someone else plays best at LG. Everything is a competition and the NFL is all about what have you done for me lately. As Harbaugh said, they will start the best 5 linemen, whoever that may be.

Certainly a possibility, though probably an unlikely one.

What makes it particularly tricky is that Wagner is in a contract year, so "demoting" him from RT to Guard or even out of the starting lineup all together would all but seal his fate as this being the final year that he's here.

Given that, we pretty much know Monroe is gone after 2016, and so then you'd lose your starting RT from last year and depth at LT in a single offseason.

I suppose not the end of the world, but I'd consider it unlikely. Unless Wagner really struggles at RT, I think you'll see Stanley at LG. That, to me, puts our five best Olineman out there... Monroe, Stanley, Zuttah, Yanda and Wagner, with a ton of flexibility if injuries occur (and they will).

[The Greek]

i would hold on to monroe unless a team is desperate and takes his contract off of our hands but if that were to be the case we would still need someone with LT experience to back up stanley just in case he were to get injured. hurst is not the answer

[OzzieBisciotti]

Our line is an absolute mess- Flacco will stink again because he won't have time to throw, and Forsett will also net 2 yards per carry because the line can't push anyone forward.

[757RavensFan]

Personally, I like Monroe.  He's a better than average LT when he actually plays.  I think he's unfairly criticized due to his recent string of injuries.  

I never understood the fans that would question his heart or toughness b/c he missed games.  His heart and toughness were never questioned when he was with Jax.  He's also unfairly criticized b/c of his stance on medical marijuana! That's another head scratcher.  

Nonetheless, like @rmcjacket23 said, unless someone really shines during camp, I can see Monroe, Stanley, Zuttah, Yanda and Wagner as our starting 5 best linement and starting O-Line. 

Edited June 7, 2016 by 757RavensFan

[FloridalovesRavens]

Our line is an absolute mess- Flacco will stink again because he won't have time to throw, and Forsett will also net 2 yards per carry because the line can't push anyone forward.

Do you have a crystal ball or something. We haven't play a game yet and you are already saying this geez.

[RayRocks]

1 hour ago, VermontRaven said:

I find it interesting how nobody is talking about Wagner and right tackle. Wagner had a great year 2 years ago, then struggled and was injured last year. Fans and media seem to be assuming he will be the starting right tackle, but what if Monroe and Stanley prove to be the best 2 tackles on the team? Maybe Stanley starts at RT for a year. Maybe Wagner or someone else plays best at LG. Everything is a competition and the NFL is all about what have you done for me lately. As Harbaugh said, they will start the best 5 linemen, whoever that may be.

Wagner came back from a lisfranc injury in late 2014 to play last year and struggled at times early, like Jimmy Smith.  I expect him to be fully recovered this year and if that's the case then he's almost definitely the best RT on the team.  Also, LT and RT are very different positions because the technique is reversed - I wouldn't assume that Stanley will be ready to make the transition there, even though he played RT for Notre Dame in 2013.

I also think it's a smart move to keep Monroe this year.  Depth on the offensive line is clearly one of our biggest weaknesses (other than ILB), so I don't see the reason for cutting a player who could be an above average starter for us.

[Steve32]

Our line is an absolute mess- Flacco will stink again because he won't have time to throw, and Forsett will also net 2 yards per carry because the line can't push anyone forward.

Our line is NOT an "absolute mess."

The starting 5 will be very good as long as they stay healthy. Injuries effected the line last year. They will be much better this year, despite losing KO.

[GeeWallee]

It seems to me that Stanley and Monroe are "dual" Insurance Policies ,at this point in time. That makes complete sense and there is no need in jettisoning Monroe right now.
#1....If healthy ? He's a solid LT
#2....You can't hold his remarks on his belief in Medical Marijuana against him , on a professional and employment level. He actually makes sense on that, even though it ruffles feathers. I'm sure the F.O winces when he brings it up, however there is a 1st Amendment right and he has a right to express his feelings .
#3.... No need in creating more "dead money", if it can be avoided.
#4..... You already have both Players signed and your Franchise QB could be well protected with a Duo of these 2 Tackles .....protecting his Blind Side.
#5.....It could possibly be a blessing in disguise to have both of these guys as an interchangeable LT/LG package for this Season.
Let's keep an eye on the health of Monroe and let the On Field play make the decision easy for every one involved.

Edited June 7, 2016 by GeeWallee

[Ravenous_Ravens]

At this point the Ravens hold all the cards. IMHO I do not believe they will trade or cut Monroe this season, unless his play suffers in a big way, which is doubtful as he has been solid when healthy.

The good news is that this season the Ravens should have two quality starting left tackles and even solid left guard depth. This may be the best quality offensive line the Ravens have had in many years. Although I do see Stanley being able to start day 1 if the Ravens want, I think they will ultimately start his at LG next to Monroe to gets his feet wet in some real game action and just get acclimated and learn from a veteran player who has a better understanding of the game at this point. On the plus side, Stanley appears to be a big mauling run defender the same as K.O. I'm not sure if how they measure up comparatively, but I'm sure the run game will be better and not have to run strong side every run play.

I will be looking forward to out offensive line bullying defenders in the trenches again. Ravens need to bring back the ground and pound to compliment the aerial assault and close out close games.

[fusuymada]

or they can cut him at the final 53 cut and give him a week to find a team, work out a good paying deal, and familiarize himself with the other teams plays and schemes. It's not like Monroe has been an ideal employee. He misses too much time, his effort level is questionable, his dedication is questionable and he decided to publicly embrace a controversial subject without talking to the team first. Whether or not you view his promotion of medical marijuana as a good thing or a bad thing, usually when an employee is engaging in support for a questionable or controversial practice, they at least give their employers a heads up. Especially if they don't want fired. But since we tried to keep KO and have since drafted Stanley, Monroe is acting like someone who is trying his hardest to get fired. I think he is playing the Ravens and I wouldn't blame the Ravens if they played him.

[757RavensFan]

15 minutes ago, fusuymada said:

or they can cut him at the final 53 cut and give him a week to find a team, work out a good paying deal, and familiarize himself with the other teams plays and schemes. It's not like Monroe has been an ideal employee. He misses too much time, his effort level is questionable, his dedication is questionable and he decided to publicly embrace a controversial subject without talking to the team first. Whether or not you view his promotion of medical marijuana as a good thing or a bad thing, usually when an employee is engaging in support for a questionable or controversial practice, they at least give their employers a heads up. Especially if they don't want fired. But since we tried to keep KO and have since drafted Stanley, Monroe is acting like someone who is trying his hardest to get fired. I think he is playing the Ravens and I wouldn't blame the Ravens if they played him.

Explain how you come to this conclusion?

His teammates and coaches will tell you he's a workout warrior, so please elablorate on his questionable effort and dedication. 

[MKM3917]

i would hold on to monroe unless a team is desperate and takes his contract off of our hands but if that were to be the case we would still need someone with LT experience to back up stanley just in case he were to get injured. hurst is not the answer

It isn't his contract that is the issue, it is his signing bonus. He has no guaranteed money left in the contract, just $6.6M in signing bonus that would all come due. You can't trade that away, so a trade doesn't help his cap hit over being cut. As the article said, the only reason to trade him over a straight cut is to get something in return, like a draft pick.

[Guest]

Yeah...this is gonna be hard for the fans to accept, but Stanley is most certainly Not Ready to be either Flacco's safety belt nor a run game road grader. You'd think a #6 overall selection would be an immediate starter, but that is not the case. I'm hoping this selection makes or breaks our Front Office. If it is the latter, lets not be reticent about calling for consequences.

[b93333]

If they really want to start the best five... Monroe won't be going anywhere. Stanley may well wind up playing along side of Monroe at LG... or on the far side at RT. If the Ravens want Joe to earn his contract they better give the best OL they can.

[JimmyBlack]

16 minutes ago, b93333 said:

If they really want to start the best five... Monroe won't be going anywhere. Stanley may well wind up playing along side of Monroe at LG... or on the far side at RT. If the Ravens want Joe to earn his contract they better give the best OL they can.

Other college LTs have become great LGs too,  

[Fastynart]

The Ravens haven't "stuck with Monroe". A more accurate statement is that they are "stuck with Monroe". He was the worst graded lineman on the offense. What more do you need? Someone to hit you over the head with a brick? These delusional people who think Monroe is the guy to protect the Ravens franchise quarterback can't see the forest for the trees. If Monroe plays, Joe goes down. No question about it.

[20306cab]

The Ravens haven't "stuck with Monroe". A more accurate statement is that they are "stuck with Monroe". He was the worst graded lineman on the offense. What more do you need? Someone to hit you over the head with a brick? These delusional people who think Monroe is the guy to protect the Ravens franchise quarterback can't see the forest for the trees. If Monroe plays, Joe goes down. No question about it.

There's no way Urshel, Myers or Hurst is anywhere near as good as Monroe. Monroe was not playing when Joe got hurt. If they want their best five, it would be Wagner, Yanda, Zuttah, Stanley and Monroe. The problem with Monroe is, he CAN"T stay on the field. I'm beginning to believe he's fabricating these injuries so he can go smoke his weed.
It would behoove the Ravens GREATLY, if Monroe stays healthy, plays at least 13 games and plays to potential. Puts their best chance of winning on the field, and saves lottsa' $$. If they want to save some money, they should cut Forsett, and go with Allen, Dixon and hopefully, Richardson.

[trevorsteadman]

16 hours ago, Danny D said:

Yeah...this is gonna be hard for the fans to accept, but Stanley is most certainly Not Ready to be either Flacco's safety belt nor a run game road grader. You'd think a #6 overall selection would be an immediate starter, but that is not the case. I'm hoping this selection makes or breaks our Front Office. If it is the latter, lets not be reticent about calling for consequences.

I don't think any rookie is at OTA's. But by the start of the season I think Stanley will be a great guard. I do not think he is ready to be out on an island at least on left side for a few weeks. These reports of Stanley getting thrown all over in OTA's is just smoke. These are non-contact drills. I can assure you Stanley is one of the best 5 linemen on the roster come week 1. The question is where is he playing. Left guard would be the position that he has a higher chance of winning at. At right tackle he has to battle out Wagner who is good when healthy and Monroe at left tackle. If the Ravens cut Monroe it is because of off-the-field and personality disagreements not on-the-field. People can bash him all he wants but it seems like fans are bashing him now for things he hasn't done, for instance a post above saying he is lazy when he is in the gym more than 2/3 of the roster. He had injured seasons it happens in the NFL he has been relatively healthy his entire career before coming to Baltimore. That was not only his problem, it was a TEAM problem. Which is a reason the Ravens have been changing up their routines and nutrition programs because of injured filled the past few seasons.

 

The only way I see Monroe getting cut is if someone once considered depth i.e. Ryan Jensen, Urschel, Hurst, etc. overnight become a superstar and even then I think the Ravens may hold onto him because they know how valuable depth is. And saving the $4-5 million this season sounds great but how much is it to sign another LT? No one out there is even close to Monroe's level when healthy. The second reason I can see him being cut is if the Ravens believe he is putting his stance and views on medical canabis before football. To me he is worth the money this season, next season is a different story. 

 

I would love to see other peoples' views on this if we were a team like the Chargers who's O-line has been obliterated with injuries the past few seasons and cutting Monroe. Watching Phillip Rivers get nailed 30 times a game hurts for me to watch and I am not even a Chargers fan. We need to keep Flacco up or the entire offense is hosed. We win with the deep ball because Flacco has the strongest arm in the NFL and we went into the offseason to get speedsters for that reason. Signing Wallace and drafting Moore will make no sense if we cut Monroe and Stanley or Wagner go down with an injury. I wish Yanda could just play every position on the O-line at once.

[757RavensFan]

2 hours ago, 20306cab said:

There's no way Urshel, Myers or Hurst is anywhere near as good as Monroe. Monroe was not playing when Joe got hurt. If they want their best five, it would be Wagner, Yanda, Zuttah, Stanley and Monroe. The problem with Monroe is, he CAN"T stay on the field. I'm beginning to believe he's fabricating these injuries so he can go smoke his weed.
It would behoove the Ravens GREATLY, if Monroe stays healthy, plays at least 13 games and plays to potential. Puts their best chance of winning on the field, and saves lottsa' $$. If they want to save some money, they should cut Forsett, and go with Allen, Dixon and hopefully, Richardson.

You do know that its a different type of marijuana that he's campainging about?

It's not the frat house weed you're thinking about. 

Wait, what???? Cut Forsett for an uproven Dixon?  SMH!

 

[Cawtious]

Stanley is getting how many reps at LG?  In OTA's the reports are he is not getting reps at that position.  As far as the difference for the lineman in or out of pads is pretty marginal.  They go hard with or without pads.  It's what they do.

I don't see Stanley at LG to be honest.  I think he would be getting reps there if he was being considered for it.  Jensen is over at RG with Yanda not present, but that means very little.  Urschel has been getting the reps at LG primarily, so that is a bit telling. 

Harbs comments about expecting Stanley to start is his expectation of a guy drafted in the first round.  It doesn't necessarily mean that the job is his.  It means he is expected to compete and win the job.  If he doesn't, it doesn't necessarily follow he supplants Urschel or Jensen at LG.  Nobody is going to relinquish their job to him just because he's a first round pick.  I understand the expectations, but the man has to live up to it.  It's not a guarantee that he emerges as the starter.

 

[rmcjacket23]

22 hours ago, Danny D said:

Yeah...this is gonna be hard for the fans to accept, but Stanley is most certainly Not Ready to be either Flacco's safety belt nor a run game road grader. You'd think a #6 overall selection would be an immediate starter, but that is not the case. I'm hoping this selection makes or breaks our Front Office. If it is the latter, lets not be reticent about calling for consequences.

And that's all fans ever do... call for consequences.

And you wonder why FO personnel don't seem to respect fans as much as they used to. Now you know why.

Edited June 8, 2016 by Moderator 3
Insults removed

[rmcjacket23]

9 minutes ago, Cawtious said:

Stanley is getting how many reps at LG?  In OTA's the reports are he is not getting reps at that position.  As far as the difference for the lineman in or out of pads is pretty marginal.  They go hard with or without pads.  It's what they do.

I don't see Stanley at LG to be honest.  I think he would be getting reps there if he was being considered for it.  Jensen is over at RG with Yanda not present, but that means very little.  Urschel has been getting the reps at LG primarily, so that is a bit telling. 

Harbs comments about expecting Stanley to start is his expectation of a guy drafted in the first round.  It doesn't necessarily mean that the job is his.  It means he is expected to compete and win the job.  If he doesn't, it doesn't necessarily follow he supplants Urschel or Jensen at LG.  Nobody is going to relinquish their job to him just because he's a first round pick.  I understand the expectations, but the man has to live up to it.  It's not a guarantee that he emerges as the starter.

 

Well, Monroe also isn't practicing, so who else would be taking the reps at LT?

AND... we already know that he's at least competing for the LT job as is. They aren't just going to move him to LG or RT just because Monroe is on the team. Its a competition between the two for that job, and right now, Stanley is the only one healthy enough to compete for it. Thus, him taking snaps at LG doesn't make much sense at this point.

When we get into camp or preseason and both are on the field and practicing, then we will see what happens.

[757RavensFan]

One person who's not getting mentioned is rookie Tackle Alex Lewis.  During his video presser, Zuttah called him

one of the biggest guys he's ever lined up next to. 

[Cawtious]

1 hour ago, rmcjacket23 said:

Well, Monroe also isn't practicing, so who else would be taking the reps at LT?

AND... we already know that he's at least competing for the LT job as is. They aren't just going to move him to LG or RT just because Monroe is on the team. Its a competition between the two for that job, and right now, Stanley is the only one healthy enough to compete for it. Thus, him taking snaps at LG doesn't make much sense at this point.

When we get into camp or preseason and both are on the field and practicing, then we will see what happens.

I agree it doesn't make sense for him to be taking reps at LG.  Does Harbs comments this morning giving you any additional thoughts on this?

[rmcjacket23]

1 minute ago, Cawtious said:

I agree it doesn't make sense for him to be taking reps at LG.  Does Harbs comments this morning giving you any additional thoughts on this?

Not really. Actually I thought the reporters who asked about why he wasn't taking reps at LG were kind of dumb in that regard, because they should easily know that Stanley is basically the only guy competing for the starting LT job that is actually able to practice right now.

Now, in just the last few minutes, Monroe was cleared to practice, so I suppose we will start getting a better idea in the next few weeks of where some of these guys stand in the pecking order.

Ravens LT Eugene Monroe (shoulder) has been medically cleared to play.

Monroe announced the news on his Twitter page. He required shoulder surgery after being placed on I.R. last year and will now compete with No. 6 overall pick Ronnie Stanley for the left-tackle job. Now that he's healthy, the Ravens could also look to trade Monroe, paving the way for Stanley on the blind side.

 

 

Source: Eugene Monroe on Twitter

Jun 8 - 12:40 PM