It wasn’t long ago the Ravens had the best left tackle in the game in Jonathan Ogden.
During Ogden’s brilliant career – which, of course, landed him a bust in the Hall of Fame – he brought amazing consistency to the left tackle position, which many consider the most important off all the offensive line spots.
Since Ogden’s departure from the game in 2007, the Ravens have churned through blind-side protectors with varying degrees of success. However, in 2016, tired of the revolving door, the Ravens organization decided to invest their first-round pick on the position.
They used the 6th overall pick on Notre Dame tackle Ronnie Stanley. It wasn’t a sexy pick. In fact, many Ravens fans were openly critical of the selection. After one season though, Stanley has matured into a tackle that could hopefully become the modern-day Ogden.
Here’s something that couldn’t hurt: Stanley and Ogden have formed a bond and the two have spent time together this offseason in their shared hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada.
“Yes, we actually went golfing a little together, so that was really fun,” said Stanley following Thursday’s open practice. “He actually came and worked out with me as well.
“He hasn’t worked out in a while, so we kind of held the workout back a little bit, but it was a cool experience.”
During their encounter in Vegas, Ogden offered the second-year player some casual advice about playing in the NFL and his role.
“He told me to just keep doing what I’m doing, and just be a good teammate,”Stanley responded. “Be a good teammate to your teammates and just play good football out there.
“And he likes what he sees, so I’m happy with that.”
Stanley enjoyed a solid rookie season along the offensive front, starting 12 games protecting Joe Flacco‘s blind side. He was hindered by a foot injury that forced him to miss time but stated he is now healthy and understands what he must do better in the season that lies ahead.
“I think I just need to be more consistent – you know, really elevate my game and really showing up more on film and standing out more on film as well. Just production and getting the job done and making sure my guy isn’t making the play or nowhere near it.”
Many questions surround the current state of the Ravens offense, and particularly the offensive line after the offseason trade of center Jeremy Zuttah and the loss of right tackle Ricky Wagner via free agency. With their second OTA wrapping up, many observers have no idea of who will compose the team’s starting offensive line moving towards training camp.
Stanley isn’t as concerned as the fan base.
“I like what we’re doing,” he said. “I like the whole offense and the offensive line as a group as well. And you know, when we get Marshal [Yanda] back it’s going to be even better.
“I’m looking forward to what we’re going to do this season.”
While question marks surround the line, Ravens fans can rest assured that, as long as he’s healthy, Ronnie Stanley will be reliably taking care of business at left tackle.
Sound familiar?
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