I think the best thing about writing for Russell Street Report is we are all admittedly HUGE fans of the Ravens just like everyone who reads the site. Sure, we try our best to take an objective view when it comes to what we write, but I for one would be lying if I said that my fandom doesn’t in many ways influence my writing. So I’ll admit, maybe I’m being a total homer, but the Ronnie Stanley pick has really grown on me over the last twelve hours.
Stanley was a disappointing pick for a lot of Ravens fans. Many writers for RSR, including myself, listed him as their least favorite potential pick in our six-week segment. In fact, the player I chose as my favorite pick, DeForest Buckner, was still available. The Ravens lacked playmakers last year, guys who could change the momentum of a game with one big play, and Stanley doesn’t change that. Regardless, the more time I’ve had to really think about it, the more I think that Ozzie got it right.
[Related: Ravens Were Right to Avoid Tunsil]
Is it exciting? Not even a little bit. Do the Ravens still have a huge need for some young difference-makers on defense? Absolutely. But considering the way the board fell to Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta and the Ravens big decision makers, it was probably the best pick they could have made. The Ravens couldn’t afford to miss on this pick, and taking Stanley gives them the best chance to groom a Pro Bowl player.
The Laremy Tunsil gas mask fiasco was the biggest story of last night’s first round. Ronnie Stanley’s biggest off field issue in college was parking tickets. In fact, Notre Dame holds their players to such high standards that it prevented him from being a team captain his senior season. The Ravens coaching staff and front office has had more than their fair share of headaches when it comes to poor decisions off the football field. It’s a pretty safe bet that they will have no such issues with Stanley.
Aside from being reliable off the field, Stanley has been a steady presence on it. He was a three-year starter for the Irish and never missed a game. Stanley’s toughness and desire was the biggest question mark for a lot of teams. That seems like a strange knock on a player who never missed a start. On the surface Stanley seems like a quiet kid, and maybe there’s a chance his calm demeanor led teams to believe he didn’t have the attitude and toughness to be successful in the NFL. The Ravens have another first-round pick whose passion and overall demeanor is often questioned. That pick – taken in 2008 – has worked pretty well for them.
You can make the argument that the Ravens didn’t get any better yesterday with their top selection. I for one would disagree. Maybe the Ravens didn’t get any better when Eugene Monroe is healthy, but that simply hasn’t been the reality over the last two seasons. It’s not something that the Ravens can count on. When the only other player you have to protect your franchise quarterback is James Hurst, the Ravens greatly improved their roster when they made Stanley their pick.
Yesterday’s pick wasn’t flashy or exciting, and the Ravens still desperately need a player who can breathe some life into their defense. There are probably a lot fans who think the Ravens could have done better on day one. But I’m sure Joe Flacco and his surgically repaired knee were probably good with how things turned out.
