Take a quick glance at a few mock drafts, and you’re sure to see Notre Dame offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley linked to the Ravens.
On the surface, it might make sense. Stanley is considered the consolation prize for teams who need an offensive tackle but miss out on projected number-one pick Laremy Tunsil, and the Ravens have an uncertain situation at left tackle with the ever-inconsistent Eugene Monroe.
But just because the Ravens might need a left tackle does not mean they must select one with the sixth overall pick in April’s draft.
Sure, Stanley fits the description for what the Ravens need: a lengthy, athletic blocker with experience (three-year starter). However, Stanley was far from a dominant player in college; rather, he was someone who often left much to be desired.
For a player with a prototypical frame (6’6″, 312 pounds), Stanley should be the ideal tackle. However, he often failed to play up to his potential, and this should steer the Ravens away from him if he’s still available when they are on the clock.
Let’s take a look at why Stanley comes with a “buyer beware” tag.
For a supposed top-10 prospect, Stanley should have flashed as a true road grader as a run blocker. Instead, he was often lethargic in this department.
In this play, Stanley should easily wipe out the defender at the second level. Instead, he delivers a half-effort block. There is no shortage of athleticism for Stanley at the left tackle position, but this is often counteracted by inconsistent play.
Now, in confined spaces, Stanley is consistent enough to be depended on as a player who can direct the defensive line away from the play, allowing the running back to run against the grain.
However, in a zone blocking scheme such as Baltimore’s, Stanley must be able to consistently block at all levels of the field on run plays, and he did not prove said ability on a regular basis at Notre Dame.
Keep Stanley confined and sure, he can make blocks on the inside. But get him moving laterally or upfield and results such as this occur:
When it comes to pass blocking, Stanley flashes why many consider him to be a top-10 selection in the draft. His length, fluidity and quickness regularly show, and he is much more consistent as a pass protector than in the run game.
Take this play for example:
Stanley releases off the snap and effortlessly addresses the interior rush. With his quick thinking and smooth feet, he seamlessly picks up the blocker to his left, allowing the quarterback to release the ball.
Pass protection is a rather consistent trait for Stanley, and at the very least, if he ends up in purple and black, the Ravens will bolster Joe Flacco‘s blind-side coverage.
But to be the sixth overall choice in the NFL draft, an offensive tackle must be the total package, and Stanley is simply a classic case of a “good, but certainly not great” prospect.
At best, he is an in-his-prime Eugene Monroe, which is nothing to be ashamed of as Monroe was once quite the NFL tackle. But would the Ravens really be utilizing the sixth overall pick properly if that is the case?
Stanley is simply not clear cut enough of a top-tier prospect to warrant Baltimore’s consideration at six, particularly with Monroe still on the roster.
