oldno82

Yup, last season was a real mess on the offense. We just have to see about the zone blocking, free agency and the draft. A lot of water to go over the dam yet.

What the hell, give him a try. We've already had 3 arrested---so far. But if McClain really has reformed, and it sounds like he might have, it wouldn't hurt to give him a chance.

Here's a little more on it from Wilson: http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-sources-ravens-maintaining-dialogue-with-eugene-monroe-still-hopeful-deal-could-be-reached-20140309,0,3032756.story I'm still doubtful.

I guess we'll find out Tuesday, maybe.

Our first round draft pick?

Papa's made some good points. This is a deep draft class and it should be possible to wind up with a LT, WR, C, and RB though I am not sure what the sequence will be. I don't know about FS, though. OldSchool, you've got a good point too about how are we going to protect Joe while our new tackles are learning. I'm worried about that but Papa may be right about Kubs offense and the quick drops/releases. We still need a running game. I hope Castillo gets his act together this year.

It's 'awe-full' alright.

I've had my eye on Martin. He could probably start from what I've heard. I don't know any of the others. I think they have to pick up a tackle, probably right tackle, in FA.

Who's available to start at LT at our drafting spot that can keep Flacco from getting buried? Do you think we should move up or down or stay put?

I don't blame him either. The Dolphins and Cardinals will probably get into a bidding war over him. Papa: do you think the Ravens should opt for any FA OT? If not, then what?

I don't think he's got the frame for it. He's short and squat.

Money, I think you're winning me over but Monroe will get more money elsewhere. I get the feeling he wants to get the real big payday and will go anywhere to get it. What is your upper limit for an offer by the Ravens to him?

Absolutely do not want Oher at LT. We've already been there and it didn't work. Plus, the guy himself prefers RT. We'd be better off picking up a LT through FA after the big signings are done, Also, Rick Wagner may be ready for prime time at RT.

totally agree. But I think he'll get 10 from some other stupid team.

We've got to get a veteran center and OT and grabbing Edelman would be great. That's what I'm hoping for out of FA.

Jamison Hensley comments on the Ravens for this year. I'm not sure I agree with all of it but a lot of it makes sense: "16 seasons. That’s the Ravens’ current streak of not having a top-10 offense, per Hensley. Think back to Vinny Testaverde and Bam Morris in 1997 – that’s the last time Baltimore cracked the top 10. With the addition of Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak and re-signing of Pitta, the Ravens have made positive strides in fixing the unit. “But their work is far from over,” Hensley wrote. “Every move that Newsome makes this offseason should be done with the intention of helping Flacco, whom the Ravens know can be a championship quarterback with the right players around him. They saw it 14 months ago.” Ravens brass said they want to get a move-the-chains pass catcher, bulk up the interior offensive line and add running back depth. They also want to lock up a couple of tackles (see Eugene Monroe update below). To get the ball moving, Hensley names some options on the market that could help. At center, there is Brian De La Puente (New Orleans), Ryan Wendell (New England) and Joe Hawley (Atlanta). You can cross Alex Mack (Cleveland) off the list after the Browns gave him the transition tag. At wide receiver, there is Eric Decker (Denver), Hakeem Nicks (New York Giants), Julian Edelman (New England) and Golden Tate (Seattle). “If the Ravens want to have an aggressive offense, perhaps it's time to get more aggressive in adding players,” Hensley wrote. “By next week, Newsome will start his plan of reconstructing the Ravens' offense. A year from now, everyone will know whether Newsome did enough to improve it.” I love the idea of at least adding Edelman. One thing he didn't mention was we need one or possibly two OT's.

The Long contract would have been fair. Not more than that.

Collins is a viable alternative. He's played well for the Bungles when he's had a chance. I'd go after him. The talk on this board about Castillo working well with young lineman is a good one. And you don't need an elite LT as much in the zone blocking scheme. And, Monroe, while I'm sorry he's gone, was not an elite LT. Veldheer is an option too. If we're going to spend that kind of money, I'd rather spend it on a skill position.

I've got a feeling, he's gone. He's the best available FA LT. I hope they have a Plan B.

Birk may be high on him but I'm not. As much as I want us to grab a playmaking receiver in the first round, we're gonna have to take an OT if Monroe leaves.

I'm completely with Money on this. Tagging him keeps him away from a bidding war and off free agency. It denies him a secure contract so there is still leverage on both sides to keep negotiating for something more reasonable and longer. As usual, John Eisenberg hits the nail(s) on the head: http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Eisenberg-Wondering-If-Dennis-Pitta-Overpaid-Dont-Think-So/b33a31a2-6180-432d-8765-c5bc346b5177

Hey Cleetz, I agree. What a powerhouse that would be. Unfortunately, I suspect the Steelers will take Ebron. If they do, we could take Benjamin or Jace Amaro.

I'm hoping Wagner and Jensen improve the line. A lot to ask. Osemele belongs at guard.

I know he didn't play much, but did anybody see enough on the field to make a talent assessment of this guy? Could he take Oher's RT position?

You guys are right. He was a hitter on special teams. He's got too much talent to ride the bench. He deserves a shot at least. Maybe Kubs sees it that way.