When healthy, Stanley is among the NFL’s “best tackles
Introduction
In the world of the NFL, where dominance on the field can come down to the strength of a few players, offensive tackles often go underappreciated. But those in the know—coaches, quarterbacks, and defensive players—understand the critical importance of a great tackle. One of the most notable figures in this category is Ronnie Stanley, the stalwart left tackle for the Baltimore Ravens. When healthy, Stanley is regarded as one of the best at his position, displaying a combination of athleticism, technique, and tenacity that makes him an elite protector on the field.
Stanley’s career has been marked by its highs and lows, with injuries taking a toll at times. Yet, when he’s healthy, his performance speaks for itself. This piece delves into Stanley’s journey, his on-field contributions, and why he’s considered one of the best tackles in the NFL when in top form.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Ronnie Stanley’s journey to NFL stardom began in 1994, when he was born in Las Vegas, Nevada. He attended Bishop Gorman High School, a program known for producing talented athletes. Stanley’s athletic prowess was evident early on, and he became a key figure in their offensive line.
Stanley’s journey continued at the University of Notre Dame, where he became one of the most highly regarded offensive tackles in college football. Playing for the Fighting Irish, Stanley earned recognition for his athleticism, size, and technique. By his junior year, he was widely regarded as one of the top tackles in the nation. His combination of size (6’6″, 315 pounds) and athletic ability caught the attention of NFL scouts, and in 2016, he was selected sixth overall by the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL Draft.
At the time, many analysts saw Stanley as one of the most polished offensive linemen to enter the NFL in years. His ability to block in both the run and pass game made him a perfect fit for a Ravens team known for its strong offensive line play and emphasis on the running game.
Transition to the NFL: Early Success
From his first year in the league, Stanley quickly showed why he was drafted so highly. He started every game of his rookie season, impressing both coaches and teammates with his technique and ability to match up against some of the best pass rushers in the league. He was consistent, strong, and showed remarkable agility for his size.
By the 2017 season, Stanley had become an integral part of the Ravens’ offensive line. With his ability to protect the quarterback’s blind side, he allowed the team’s quarterbacks to operate with greater confidence. In addition to his pass-blocking skills, Stanley also demonstrated his effectiveness in the run game, helping to open up lanes for running backs.
But it was in 2018 that Stanley truly began to shine. That year, he earned his first Pro Bowl selection and solidified his place as one of the top tackles in the NFL. His play in 2018 was a key factor in the Ravens’ resurgence as a top team in the AFC, with quarterback Lamar Jackson leading the charge.
The Impact of Lamar Jackson and Stanley’s Role in the Run Game
Lamar Jackson’s arrival as the Ravens’ starting quarterback in 2018 transformed the team’s offense. Jackson’s dynamic running ability changed the way the Ravens approached the game, emphasizing a heavy run attack that featured read-option plays and designed runs for the quarterback. Stanley’s ability to block in these situations was critical.
As a left tackle, Stanley often had to block on the backside of running plays, particularly when Jackson would run to the right. His agility and awareness allowed him to effectively seal off defenders, creating big runs for Jackson and running backs like Mark Ingram. Stanley’s athleticism, combined with his technical ability, made him an ideal fit in the Ravens’ innovative offense.
Moreover, Stanley’s success in both pass protection and the run game was essential to Jackson’s development as a quarterback. The Ravens’ offensive line, anchored by Stanley, gave Jackson the time and space needed to operate effectively in the pocket while also creating running lanes when the Ravens went with more traditional running plays. Stanley’s contributions helped Jackson become an MVP candidate in 2019, further cementing Stanley’s place as one of the best in the league.
Injuries and Setbacks
Unfortunately, as is often the case in the NFL, Stanley’s career has been marred by injuries. Despite his success on the field, the toll of playing in such a physically demanding league took its toll.
Stanley’s first major injury came during the 2020 season. After a solid start to the year, he suffered an ankle injury in Week 8 that would sideline him for the remainder of the season. Initially, it was believed to be a minor injury, but it quickly became clear that it would require surgery to repair.
In the aftermath of his injury, Stanley’s return was delayed multiple times. Despite his determination to get back on the field, it took over a year for him to fully recover and return to his previous form. This period of uncertainty brought frustration for both Stanley and the Ravens, as the team struggled to find consistency on the offensive line without their star left tackle.
Stanley finally returned to the field in 2021, but his recovery was slow. The team had to adjust to playing without their starting tackle for a prolonged period, and his performance in his comeback season was hampered by lingering effects from the injury.
It’s important to note that the challenges Stanley faced in 2020 and 2021 were not indicative of his talent or ability. Rather, they were a result of the unpredictable nature of NFL injuries, which can sideline even the most talented players. When Stanley is fully healthy, however, his skill set is undeniable.
Why Stanley is Among the NFL’s Best Tackles
Despite the injury setbacks, when Stanley is on the field and healthy, he is undoubtedly one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL. His physicality, technique, and mental acuity allow him to dominate his opponents. So, what makes Stanley one of the best?
- Size and Athleticism: Stanley’s combination of size and athleticism is rare among offensive linemen. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 315 pounds, Stanley possesses the raw physical traits that most tackles can only dream of. However, what sets him apart is his agility and speed. He’s quick enough to block in space and agile enough to handle the speed rushers on the edge, a trait that makes him extremely valuable in both the run and pass game.
- Technique: Stanley is a technician on the field. His footwork, hand placement, and ability to read and react to defensive linemen’s movements are key components of his success. Stanley excels at mirroring defenders, maintaining his balance, and keeping his body in the optimal position to make blocks. Whether it’s in pass protection or run blocking, his technique allows him to neutralize even the best pass rushers and defensive linemen.
- Versatility: Stanley’s ability to dominate in both pass protection and run blocking is one of the reasons why he’s considered among the NFL’s elite tackles. While some offensive linemen excel in one area but struggle in the other, Stanley is effective in both facets of the game. His proficiency at handling speed rushers on the edge allows the Ravens to rely on him in passing situations, while his power and leverage make him effective as a run blocker in the Ravens’ power-based running attack.
- Mental Toughness: Offensive line play requires a unique blend of intelligence, physical toughness, and mental acuity. Stanley’s understanding of defensive schemes and his ability to adjust to different rushers makes him an elite player in terms of football IQ. He can read defensive fronts and make adjustments on the fly, whether it’s switching up blocking assignments or communicating with teammates. His mental toughness also allows him to bounce back from setbacks like injuries and maintain a high level of performance.
- Consistency: Stanley has shown time and time again that he is one of the most consistent tackles in the league. Even though he has missed time due to injuries, his track record when healthy speaks for itself. Throughout his career, Stanley has been a staple of the Ravens’ offensive line, rarely having poor games. His consistency in pass protection and in the run game makes him a highly reliable player, and this level of dependability is one of the defining traits of elite offensive tackles.
The Future of Stanley’s Career
Looking forward, if Stanley can stay healthy, there’s little doubt he will continue to be one of the top offensive tackles in the NFL. While his injury history has created some uncertainty, his skill set is undeniable. The Ravens will continue to rely on him as the anchor of their offensive line, and he will remain a crucial piece of their offensive attack.
In addition to his role with the Ravens, Stanley’s place among the NFL’s best tackles will continue to be a point of discussion. With the rise of young stars at the position and the emergence of other elite tackles, Stanley must continue to prove that when healthy, he can perform at the highest level.
Ronnie Stanley, when healthy, is undeniably among the best offensive tackles in the NFL. His blend of size, athleticism, technique, and mental acuity makes him a dominant force in both the run and pass game. Although injuries have impacted his career, his ability to bounce back and return to form shows his resilience and determination to remain one of the league’s elite players.
For the Baltimore Ravens, Stanley’s health is crucial to their success on the field. As the team continues to build around Lamar Jackson and a dynamic offense, having a player like Stanley to protect the quarterback’s blind side and open up running lanes is invaluable.
Ultimately, while the NFL is filled with exceptional talent, when Ronnie Stanley is healthy, few can compare to his dominance at the tackle position. He is a key player in the league, and his future in the NFL remains bright as he continues to prove that he belongs among the best.