Left Tackle: Monroe, Thomas, or Britton?
by JaxJagsRep on May 24, 2009 6:21 PM EDT
50 comments
Regardless of who starts... David will be safer.
If there's one positional battle worth watching this off-season, it's at the left tackle spot. The Jaguars are stacked at the position after acquiring Tra Thomas via free agency, and Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton through the NFL draft. However, only one can play the left tackle position, which brings us to the question, who will start?
Obviously, Tra Thomas has the experience edge, the 11 year veteran is a 3 time Pro-Bowler and was a huge part of Donovan Mcnabb's success as he protected the blindside in Philidelphia for over a decade. However, there are questions as to whether or not the 34 year old Thomas can hold up over the long season. Thomas has also struggled throughout his career in run blocking which has been a huge part of Jack Del Rio's gameplan since taking over in Jacksonville. Will Tra Thomas be the one to continue his long career as a starting left tackle in Jacksonville?
Some people had Virginia tackle Eugene Monroe as the highest rated player in the 2009 NFL Draft. It was a shock to most (including the Jaguars) to find Monroe still available to the Jaguars at the 8th overall selection. It was almost a no-brainer pick, despite having Michael Crabtree still on the board. Monroe comes into the NFL as possibly the most polished rookie offensive tackle in the league. The question for Monroe is not if he will start at left tackle, but when.
Unless some catastrophic injury were to plague his career, his eventual starting at left tackle for the Jaguars is almost inevitable. Monroe was elected all ACC in 2007 and 2008 after allowing no sacks in 2007, and just 2.5 in 2008. After a showdown with ACC rival Georgia Tech, and their highly touted defensive end Michael Johnson (selected by the Cincinatti Bengals in the third round of the draft), Monroe shot up draft boards around the league. He shut down Johnson virtually the entire game leading the Cavaliers to an upset victory over the Yellow Jackets.
Eugene is viewed as more of a pass blocker than a run blocker due to his incredible footwork, however his run blocking ability is highly underrated. Monroe's elite play in college landed him in the first round of the draft and the Jaguars hope he can be as effective in the NFL. Will Eugene Monroe step in as the starter in '09?
Our last canidate for the starting left tackle position is an unlikely one. Eben Britton, the second-round pick out of Arizona, is seen by most as the future right tackle for the Jaguars. His feet in no way compare to Monroe's, however, his passionate attitude makes up for his lack of footwork (just take a look at his post-draft comments).
He is known as a good drive blocker and will contribute well in the run-game. He has average pass protecting ability which is why most see him as a right tackle in the NFL. He also has the versatility to slide inside to gaurd in his first few years if needed. Britton posesses great leadership qualities too after serving as a team captain in Arizona. Many teams thought of Britton as first round talent and the Jaguars were yet again fortunate to find him available at the 39th pick. Can Eben Britton's fire and determination land him at the left tackle for the Jaguars this season (He was a first round rated player by the Jaguars' admittedly)?
I'll wrap up by saying this, most likely the battle for the job will be between Monroe and Thomas with Britton being the dark horse. Tony Pashos has shown year in and year out that despite being a good run-blocker, his inability to pass block continues to haunt him. I just don't see why this guy makes the team as a starting offensive tackle every year. Pashos will probably either be moved inside to gaurd, used as depth, or traded before the beginning of the year unless he makes a dramatic improvement in his ability to protect David Garrard. All eyes will be on the battles in the trenches this offseason as the starting left tackle emerges for the 2009 season.
-JaxJagsRep
[Editorial Note: This is JJR's first post to the site, it is very nicely done. Be sure to welcome him to the site. - Collin]
0 recs |
50 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
Stellar comparison...
Welcome to the site. Keep that up and you’ll get put on the front page more often.
I really like Monroe. I said before the draft he was the outright best OT in the draft, and it would be virtually impossible to snag him with the Jaguars’ pick. I hit the ceiling when he was there at 8. He’ll be the starter almost undoubtedly i think.
Maybe Tra Thomas can do it, but only if Monroe plays RT and Britton plays guard. I wouldn’t mind that lineup at all. Thomas at LT, Monroe at RT, Pashos/Uche/Mo at LG and Britton at RG. When Manuwai comes back, we’ll see what he’s got.
My point is the two rookies are too good to keep off the field and will be starting at some point this season.
-Collin
The End Is Nigh... www.infowars.com
Thanks A ton
Thanks a lot Collin, I just came home and was shocked to see my article on the front page, I’m very glad that you liked it. I agree that the rookies are too good to be riding the bench all year, I would like to see Uche Nwaneri on the field, if he keeps getting better, he will be Mo Williams’ successor
Rookies starting next to each other?
I can’t see Britton and Monroe both playing on the right or on the left. I see something more like this with your scenario… Thomas, Monroe on the left and Pashos and Britton on the left.
Monroe will not play guard or RT
It’s LT or bust for him. He’s a pass blocking guy who needs to develop his run blocking. In a run heavy offense, he’s a liability at any position other than LT. There are plenty of run blockers on the offensive line who can contribute.
by Adam Stites on May 24, 2009 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions
If he's not a LT eventually
I would agree with you. But because we are an A gap running team, our OT’s don’t have to do a lot of run blocking anyhow. Most of the run blocking they do is against LB’s and DB’s, when good feet are more important than power anyhow.
Welcome to the site Tigg75
Thanks for joining in on the Discussions, hope to see you around more!
The End Is Nigh... www.infowars.com
I wouldn't be surprised...
T.T. -LT
Pashos/Uche/Mo – LG
Meester – C
Britton – RG
Monroe – RT
Tra Thomas can ONLY play LT really bc he’s such a good pass blocker and only an average RB. Remember, he came from Philly where even their running plays are passes… haha
The End Is Nigh... www.infowars.com
Where is Vince Manuwai?
"The worst kind of non-smokers are the ones that come up to you and cough. That's pretty cruel isn't it? Do you go up to cripples and dance too?"-Bill Hicks
by Jonathan Loesche on May 24, 2009 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Vince
The way he looked at the first practices, I would think that he starts the year out on PUP.
It's May
Let’s take it easy on the evaluations.
by Adam Stites on May 24, 2009 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I have to agree with tigg75.
Manuwai looked a long ways from a full recovery, but I agree, it’s only May, and that leaves him a lot of time to recover.
I'd Put
Britton at left guard, and Vinny Manuwai at rigth guard.
If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik
Monroe won't play RT, Del Rio and Heck have both stated it's LT or bust for Monroe this year
"The worst kind of non-smokers are the ones that come up to you and cough. That's pretty cruel isn't it? Do you go up to cripples and dance too?"-Bill Hicks
by Jonathan Loesche on May 24, 2009 8:06 PM EDT reply actions
Monroe isn't the best run blocker
So I think that makes sense.
If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik
I think he'll be a fine run blocker.
Everyone seems to think that he can’t run block, why is this? I remember reading something from Kiper about how Monroe is a premier pass blocker, and may have to work on his run blocking, but that’s Kiper, and he knows as much about players as the raccoon digging through my trash.
I think
Heck said that Monroe has what they call “Left TAckle Ability”. Where did you hear it was LT or bust?
I think the opening say lineup will be
Monroe-LT
Manuwai-LG
Meester-C
Pashos/Mo-RG
Britton-RT
"The worst kind of non-smokers are the ones that come up to you and cough. That's pretty cruel isn't it? Do you go up to cripples and dance too?"-Bill Hicks
by Jonathan Loesche on May 24, 2009 8:08 PM EDT reply actions
The O-line
is a very tough spot. This will be the highlight of the training camp. I think on the right side it will be the battle between Pashos and Britton, and probably Pashos will be mved to guard slowly but almost certainly.
Left tackle, there is even tougher. I think Tra Thomas will give all he left to become the starter on opening day. He knows, now he has a shot, next year, if Eugene proves, what all experts and us hoping(that he is a 10 secure starter at LT), then he has no chance in ‘10 to win that job back. It will be a hard battle between them, but I hope the competitionjust makes the team better.
Guard: manuwai’s injury the biggest question, and that will decide lot of things. If he can recover from that (sadly I have doubts right now) then Mo Williams Uche and will compete for the job. If manuwai isn’t healthy, then who’ll lose the Pashos/Britton matchup (probably Tony) will enter the competition as well.
My starting O-line, if the opening game will be within 3 days(sweet dreams) is this:
LT Monroe or Tra Thomas (highlight battle of the traing camp)
LG Mo Williams (if Vinnie Manuwai not recover-and right now it is a possibility)
C Meester
RG: Pashos
RT: Britton
by Zoltan from Budapest on May 24, 2009 8:23 PM EDT reply actions
Oh and by the way
Welcome JaxJagsRep.
Very good post, very good opening. Looking forward to read from you more articles, which are good (or better) such as this one!
by Zoltan from Budapest on May 24, 2009 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Lineup IMHO
Monroe-LT
Pashos-LG
Meester-C
Manuwai-RG
Britton-RT
If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik
Great article and welcome to the site
This is the guy who found you on youtube by the way. Glad to have you on board.
I'm really rooting for Eugene to start...
but I just have this feeling Tra will start the season at LT:
LT: Tomas
LG: Mo
C: Meester
RG: Pashos
RT: Monroe
by TheHammerOfSpicer on May 24, 2009 10:02 PM EDT reply actions
I don't think Monroe would be the RT
and not only because the coaches don’t want him there, but because I actually think Britton will make a better RT and would beat Monroe for the spot. Britton is pretty much a lock for the RT spot in my opinion. This would be my line with the backups in parenthesis:
LT: Thomas (Monroe)
LG: Pashos (Williams)
C: Meester (Miller)
RG: Manuwai (Nwaneri)
RT: Britton (Black)
by Adam Stites on May 24, 2009 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Optimal
I think you may be right. Thomas starts at LT, but before year’s end Monroe could be worked in…maybe take it over. Either way it will be excellent grooming for next year. I like the way you’ve lined up your depth.
I'm your huckleberry...
A Player
Is not “worked in” at left tackle. That and quarterback are the positions that you don’t rotate players if a team has half a brain.
If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik
Well
It’s a good thing my half of brain is not in charge. So you’re saying if Thomas starts, Monroe won’t get any reps at that position? You gonna stand by that statement? Is that your final answer?
I'm your huckleberry...
I've seen
players worked in at LT in the past. When you are out there at LT, your basically on an island hence it is a position that can be switched out as long as you have enough practice together. Center however is a position you don’t want to mess with on the offensive line.
Yeah
You could declare Monroe the starter, say, week 8. But you don’t “work in” a player at left tackle. Any position on the o-line doesn’t need to be rotated or constantly changed up. Those guys are a team with one common goal, protecting the QB and making lanes for the running back.
I always stand by my statements, maybe thats something you should try to do from time to time buddy.
If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik
It's hard to do...
When you’re wrong a lot. I have no problem changing my stance if it’s something I’m wrong about. What statement have I made that you’ve observed I’ve not stood by? Obviously, I don’t know what being worked in means. I say, Thomas starts at LT, before the end of the year Monroe will be worked in, or be given reps at the LT position. I mean just that. I did not mean they are going to approach that change like tag team wrestlers. It sounds to me as if you agree with that statement. My wife likes to argue points that we agree on too. I don’t get it. Is it because I didn’t complement your line-up? It’s real good too, buddy. You’ve changed my mine. Your’s is the best!
I'm your huckleberry...
Its a safe bet
that Heck will give the rookies heck to deal with this upcoming training camp to get them ready for starting offensive line roles. I love Andy Heck
"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
I know a lot of people do not like
the idea of starting two rookies on the line but I figure that after we just went from a 5-11 season we might as well let them get the experience now. That way in the 2010 season they will be tested and ready along with all the other rooks. 2010 is going to be a beast season. Oh by the way in honor of the dead laptop I just picked up a new HP pavilion PC. Its sweet!
I'm alright with having only 1 rookie start
But only as long as the rookie learns and improves himself during the time he isn’t on the field. That rookie could be Britton but i don’t see how you let the best LT prospect and your 8th pick sit all season.
"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
love the depth
Im sure the coaching staff will make the right decisions on who starts, so I just love this year having a bunch of good backups unlike last year where injuries killed the team. I like all the flexibility and the depth on the line
I think the tackle spots will work themselves itself out, but we have a problem at guard if Manuwai can’t go… I also think:
- I’d prefer not to screw with the rookies lead foot (one stays left, one right)
- Meester is awesome but we need a quality back-up here; possibly Nwaneri
- Monroe & Tra Thomas don’t have ideal run blocking to play guard… in space or in-line
- if Pashos could play guard we’d be set, but have visions of him tripping 3 player per play and I can’t see him pulling
That all means we start the season like this:
LT: Tra Thomas – switch to Monroe as soon as he’s ready (game 3-4?)
LG: Mo Williams – he’s better able to adapt to LG
C: Meester
RG: Britton – he’s a better RG fit than Pashos
RT: Pashos – 7 holds was bad, let’s hope he’ll do better with better linemates
When / if Manuwai comes back he bumps one of Williams/Britton assuming an injury doesn’t change things up. I think this roster give us a nice balance between short term performance and long term planning.
I don't think Uche is a center
The backup spot should be a battle between Cecil Newton and Drew Miller. I guess you could throw Dennis Norman in there too although I think he’ll get cut.
He's a 9 year veteran on a team with a line with a lot of young talent
There’s no more upside there.
i still hope Dennis sticks with the Jaguars since he is a good backup with versatility to play different positions.
Sean Jax Beach Bum
Agree
He can play all three interior positions, so that has to be taken into consideration.
If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik
Uche is more of a center
than Miller. Newton is the ideal center, but Uche is closer to being an ideal center than Miller. Miller has more of a OT body (6"5" 303) without the feet. He’s also slow into his stance when snapping the ball. And with all the new 3-4 teams the center has to be thicker and squattier to battle all of those NT’s, and Uche is a nice 6’3" 330 lbs. We should also keep in mind that Uche and Miller have played center just as much as each other, and leading into the season before the injuries Uche was slated as a center and Miller was slated as a guard.
what he said!
I’m obviously a little biased, but Ewdtry makes great points – so uhhh, ya, what he said… ;)
I’ll just add more and say that loosing a G takes the pop out of your run game but loosing a C is terrible. It’s like a risk/reward ratio… a marginal C isn’t a huge cost on any given play, but on every play a Center affects the whole lines play.
For example he usually calls the blocks and his ability to make physically impressive plays " trickle out" to the rest of the line. A marginal center exposes guys like Pashos who need that extra step to handle or near buy body when pass blocking. Think of the value a chips on his way to a middle LB or a chip before picking up a blitzing LB, or properly balancing aggressive but correct calls at the line calls, getting over to the backside to cover for pulling guards and opening up cut back lanes etc….
On top of doing those small things right great center makes a lot of things possible – like taking a 3-4 NG one on one (ok that’s rare)… or in Meesters case, being able to pull himself. Tackles get the attention because they get exposed; and while you need tackles with great footwork, a good C helps a lot IMHO.
This whole rant was suppose to be an argument for putting our best backup at C, like Ewdtrey said I see Uche as the guy with the tools to do that well. Think of blocking Casey Hampton,
Vince Wilfork etc… if you can ever do it 1 on 1 that frees up a guard to so something fancy.
Rather have Newton
than Miller, Norman, or the God-Blank Russian Army. (Sorry been watching Patton movies)
"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
