2016 NFL Draft Profile: OT Ronnie Stanley

In this 2016 NFL Draft profile, we analyze the strengths and weaknesses of offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley out of Notre Dame.

Stanley has started at left and right tackle for the Fighting Irish since his freshmen year and has earned the title of being a must draft offensive line prospect. Stanley started all 13 games at left tackle for Notre Dame in 2014. Scouts hoped the young prospect would have declared eligible for the draft last season, as he looked like a future NFL stud with his 2014 performance. However, Stanley didn’t diminish his draft stock in 2015 finishing with a second-team All-American season.

Stanley enters this year’s draft with intelligence and versatility as he has experience playing at both tackle positions. At the 2016 NFL Combine, Stanley ran a 5.20 40-yard dash, 4.90 20-yard shuttle, finished the three-cone drill in 8.03 seconds and recorded 24 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. Stanley currently stands at 6’6″, weighs 312 pounds, has a 35 5/8″ arm length and 10 5/8″ hands. He will be an anchor of an offensive lineman for whichever team selects him.

Nov 8, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (78) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Arizona State defeated Notre Dame 55-31. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

STRENGTHS

Has the ability to overpower defenders. Versatile, can play both left and right tackle. Doesn’t quit, sticks with his defenders. Solid in run blocking. Has long arms and quick hands. Durable offensive lineman. Dependable on run blocking and protecting the quarterback. Was a stud when Notre Dame played USC in 2015. Doesn’t allow defenders to get past him. Quick movement for his size. Has solid power and is rarely burned on the edge. Intelligent offensive lineman that can change directions at any time. Rarely allows his quarterback to get touched. Allows his quarterback time to find the open man and creates gaps and holes in the field for his running back to gain extra yardage. Has strong NFL pro potential.

WEAKNESSES

Needs improvement with footwork. Able to recover when beaten but tends to struggle once the defender gains leverage right off the snap.

Struggles when he gets double rushed. Average balance and speed. Needs to improve blocking angles.

Weak when trying to reset after defenders push him back. Could face difficulties when blocking NFL defensive ends and linebackers.

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DRAFT DAY PREDICTION

Stanley is a three-year starter with tremendous talent, skills, quick movement and pass protection that should help the young offensive lineman find a new home on an NFL roster somewhere early in the first round of this year’s draft. Any team picking high in the first round in need of a durable and versatile offensive tackle that can not only protect their quarterback but create holes for the half back should give Stanley a call come draft day.

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