Ravens should keep Bryant McKinnie for depth

There is speculation that left tackle Bryant McKinnie wants to be traded now that the Ravens have traded for the Jacksonville Jaguars' Eugene Monroe, but it would be difficult to see anyone wanting McKinnie, not if a team has seen tape on him this season. The entire offensive line has played poorly, but none more disappointing than McKinnie and right tackle Michael Oher.

It has been reported that the Ravens will ultimately give up two mid-to-late round picks for Monroe, and that's OK because the Ravens apparently feel they have a shot at repeating as Super Bowl champions. But unless they get some blockbuster offer, I wouldn't trade McKinnie if I was in their shoes. The Ravens have little depth at tackle and rookie Rick Wagner has already proven he isn't ready to start. It's still a long season, so the Ravens need as much depth as possible.

I'd make McKinnie the backup, and he'd have to compete for playing time just like he did last season. As for Monroe, he isn't elite but a good, solid player. You're going to get a good effort from him every week and that's an upgrade over McKinnie.

It's a move the Ravens had to make, especially after they invested so much money in quarterback Joe Flacco during the offseason. It's wise to protect the investment, and Flacco had been getting hammered in the first four games.


(baltimoresun.com)