Quote:1. But they were wrong in their assessment. They did not make the playoffs, despite adding Monroe and ended up at a sub 0.500 winning percentage once he was added to the roster. Did he really fill that need? How much improvement did Monroe provide to the Baltimore roster?

 

2 and 3 contradict themselves. If Monroe was a proven talent, then why did they need to increase their position to evaluate all of those things that you listed? If he was proven all of that isn't really necessary.

 

4 So they gave up two draft picks just so they could get to the head of the line?!?!?! That seems like a rather steep price doesn't it, especially considering that Monroe has gone on record as saying that there is no "hometown discount"?

1.  GM's, coaches, owners, hall-of-fame caliber former players turned commentator, odds makers, analysts and even message board fans make incorrect assessments occasionally; why do you find it so surprising that the Ravens did it this season?  Is it unrealistic to expect the defending Superbowl champions to at least compete for a playoff spot?  How much he did or did not improve the line is irrelevant.

 

2 & 3. They're not contradictory at all; you just don't understand the player evaluation process.  Before you commit millions to a player, especially at a key position you want to know as much as you possibly can about the guy.  Anybody can watch game tape and assess a player's ability, but still know nothing about him.  That's the difference between 2 and 3. Work ethic and character don't always show up on film.  Why do you think they have interviews at the combine? (Clowney is a great example) 

 

4.  I think we already covered this in #1.  They didn't give up draft picks just to get to the head of the line; they gave them up to get a player whom they hoped would help make a difference in a team anticipated to go to the playoffs.  Head of the line is just a residual fringe benefit of the deal.  Also don't read too much into the "hometown discount" remark.  Quite a bit of posturing goes on this time of year and you can't believe everything you hear.   Sure the money is important, but every player wants to be on a contender.

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