Combine/Workouts: 5.2 40-time. 24 bench reps, 35 5/8″ arms.
Accolades: Second team All-American 2015, Notre Dame O-Lineman of the Year 2014.
Links to previous reports at BSL:
Here is a look at Ronnie Stanley playing opposite Shaq Lawson of Clemson. In one clip, Stanley gets his on the highly touted prospect.
In our Draft Roundtable, BSL Contributor, Shawn Brubaker, called Ronnie Stanley the most overrated player in the draft.
“Ronnie Stanley. He’s a good pass blocker, but I saw some troubling signs in his run blocking that make me wonder why he’s considered a top-tier left tackle prospect. He struggles blocking downfield, often lunging at linebackers rather than engaging them with a solid base and his weight under him. In the Ravens’ zone blocking scheme, that’s a big issue that makes me take pause.”
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Strengths: Long arms and athleticism is the book on Stanley. Athleticism is something he will need to play in the Ravens zone blocking running game. He is quick off the snap and has big hands that deliver a strong initial punch. He keeps his feet under him as I noticed in the tape against Lawson I linked above. In one clip Lawson had a nice bull rush going, only to have Stanley set his feet like an anchor and pancake the Tiger with sheer strength. Durable, dependable, safe pick by the Ravens at number six.
Weaknesses: Stanley had some troubles with NFL talent in Lawson as well. Not as dominant all the time. He shows patience, but that patience could be misconstrued as a lack of a nasty streak. A lack of explosiveness as he doesn’t redirect rushers in other directions. He’ll simply hold his ground and literally “hold” when beat.
Immediate reaction: Not the pick Ravens fans were expecting to see after Dallas shocked the draft and took Zeke Elliott at number four. Myles Jack, DeForest Buckner and Laremy Tunsil were on the board still when Baltimore was on the clock. However, a video of what could be Tunsil smoking a bong (face hidden by a gas mask) released by Tunsil’s Twitter account right before the draft caused the Ravens, and other teams, to balk at the Ole Miss tackle. Later, Tennessee also passed on Tunsil to tack Michigan State tackle, Jack Conklin.
Reaction is that for Stanley, the Ravens may have been able to trade down and still land him. But it takes a partner. We might not know if any team was answering the phone, or if the Ravens even made calls. Tackle is an unsexy pick and the Ravens don’t pick this high often. Consensus of the fans is they wanted a playmaker. Instead the Ravens go the safe route. He might not be the best tackle in the draft, but Stanley might be the best tackle who didn’t tweet a video of himself smoking a bong right before the draft.
After a few minutes passed, I come to realize that with the pick comes added depth to the offensive line. It appears the Ravens won’t have to rely on the services of James Hurst. The backup tackle is regarded as a serious liability when he is on the field.
Ravens depth chart: Eugene Monroe has been a hot topic this offseason with the Ravens having questions about his ability, health and work ethic. He’s been rumored to be released at some point. The pick of Stanley makes Monroe’s seat very hot. When teams draft a tackle this high, they are expected to step in right away. Monroe plays the left side, while the other tackle of note is Rick Wagner on the right side. Wagner had a weak rookie season in limited snaps. May have been a breakout star player for the Ravens in 2014. But there was regression in 2015. Entering his fourth season, Wagner hopes for a rebound.
Ronnie Stanley played both the left and right sides in college. That tells me that the competition is wide open for the two tackle spots. If Monroe and Wagner win the battle, it might lead to Ravens fans scratching their heads more about the pick. If Monroe is released, expect Stanley on the left and Wags on the right. Flip that if Wagner doesn’t improve and Stanley plays right opposite Monroe. In fact, on the right side next to Marshal Yanda might be a great spot for the rookie.
What the Ravens say: “They had Stanley on equal footing with Laremy Tunsil,” according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. (The Bong smoking tweet must have made the decision very easy).
Shortly after the pick, the Ravens tweeted out “We just gave Joe Flacco a premier blindside blocker”. (Maybe Monroe’s days really are numbered).
What Stanley said: “I’m excited to be a Raven. Let’s go get this Super Bowl”.
Interesting facts: Stanley is the first Notre Dame player drafted in the top ten since 1994 when the 49ers selected Bryant Young (DT) at number seven. Stanley has allowed just three sacks in his last two seasons in South Bend, while starting in 40 games in his three year career. Stanley’s record is squeaky clean. He is finishing his degree in business and entrepreneurship. Leading up to the draft, he spent some time giving back to kids at an area children’s hospital. Ronnie Stanley has got leader written all over him. Zero character red flags.
Laremy Tunsil ended up getting drafted at number 13 to the Miami Dolphins.
Ravens Analyst
Mike was born on the Eastern Shore, raised in Finksburg, and currently resides in Parkville. In 2009, Mike graduated from the Broadcasting Institute of Maryland. Mike became a Baltimore City Fire Fighter in late 2010. Mike has appeared as a guest on Q1370, and FOX45. Now a Sr. Ravens Analyst for BSL, he can be reached at mike.randall@baltimoresportsandlife.com.