Despite never being selected to a Pro Bowl, Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley is at an elite level; he may even be worthy of All-Pro praise.
When the Baltimore Ravens selected Ronnie Stanley with the sixth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, it was believed by many that passing on Laremy Tunsil for the former was a mistake. Tunsil was perceived as the clear-cut top offensive tackle, whose stock plummeted the day of the draft due to a leaked video of Tunsil smoking weed through a gas mask. The Ravens were supposed to regret that decision, but that hasn’t been the case.
On the contrary, Ronnie Stanley looks to be the superior of the two. In fact, Stanley may just be a top five left tackle in the entire NFL.
Right now, the level of play that Ronnie Stanley is performing at is elite; there’s no if’s, and’s, or but’s about it. Whether it’s in the passing game or as a run blocker, Stanley has been absolutely killing it for the Baltimore Ravens. Even with Marshal Yanda on the same offensive line, Stanley is still the best player on the unit.
According to @PFF, Ronnie Stanley is the NFL's highest-graded pass blocker. 1 QB hit, 2 hurries allowed.
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) October 7, 2019
Stanley has been really good for a long time. He's become excellent this season.
It’s no coincidence that so many offensive players are having career-years behind this offensive line. Lamar Jackson is a legit MVP candidate, while Mark Ingram looks like he’s five years younger. The run game as a whole has been strong, and Jackson has had few games where he’s been victimized by opposing pass rushes. When he has, it’s never coming from the left side of the line.
The Baltimore Ravens offensive line is arguably the top unit in the league right now. Yanda continues to play at a Hall of Fame level, while Orlando Brown Jr. and Matt Skura have also played exceptionally well. Still, the left tackle spot remains the most important spot on the offensive line and Ronnie Stanley is locking it down.
“Megatronnie” (amazing nickname, by the way) has paved the way for the Ravens to a 3-2 record, the second best rushing offense, the number three overall offense in terms of yards, and the second highest scoring offense in the entire league. He may not get any official stats, but he sure is playing like one of the top-100 players in the NFL (HINT HINT).
Since being drafted back in 2016, Ronnie Stanley has gradually improved each season. 2019 has been by far his best, with the future looking brighter and brighter. While we don’t have a crystal ball for the future, we can address his play for this year and credit him with some Pro Bowl and All-Pro consideration. Here’s hoping that greatness is finally realized…