Ronnie Stanley reminded everyone why he’s one of the NFL’s best left tackles in 2024, playing every game and anchoring the Baltimore Ravens' offensive line. But with free agency looming, Baltimore might not have the cap space to keep him around.
Stanley is expected to command top dollar on the open market, and teams with far more cap space are reportedly ready to make him an offer Baltimore might not be able to match.
If Stanley walks, the Ravens need a plan—and fast. General Manager Eric DeCosta could shuffle the line and bank on young players like Roger Rosengarten stepping up, but that’s a risky move when Lamar Jackson’s blind side is on the line. Thankfully, there’s another option. In Max Chadwick's latest mock draft at Pro Football Focus, Baltimore is projected to snag Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr., one of the top pass-blocking tackles in the draft, with the 27th pick.
Conerly’s name might not be as flashy as some of the other tackles in this year’s class, but his fit with the Ravens is undeniable. If Baltimore can’t retain Stanley, Conerly looks like the ideal replacement to keep Lamar Jackson upright.
Josh Conerly Jr. is perfect blind-side blocker for Lamar Jackson, Ravens
Chadwick outlined Conerly Jr.'s fit in Baltimore:
Ronnie Stanley is an impending free agent. If the Ravens can’t re-sign their Pro Bowl left tackle, Conerly would be an excellent draft target. His 83.5 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2024 ranked 16th among FBS tackles.
Conerly combines smooth footwork, sharp instincts, and an ability to mirror rushers, making him a perfect fit for a team that thrives on athletic offensive linemen. At 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds, he’s quick enough to neutralize speed off the edge and disciplined enough to recognize stunts—exactly the kind of skill set Baltimore values to protect Jackson.
What makes Conerly especially intriguing is his athleticism in space. Baltimore’s zone-blocking scheme relies on linemen who can pull, climb to the second level, and execute blocks on the move, and Conerly excels in all of these areas.
While he could add some play strength and mass to handle NFL power rushers, the Ravens' coaching staff has proven time and again they can mold raw talent into elite players.
Losing Stanley would be a gut punch, but Conerly could step in and provide stability right away. He’s young, athletic, and already experienced in a system that emphasizes movement and precision—exactly what the Ravens would need. Drafting Conerly at No. 27 wouldn’t just address a need; it would secure Lamar Jackson’s protection for years to come.
If Stanley does leave, DeCosta will have no other choice but to find his replacement. It’s not ideal to lose a cornerstone player, but in Conerly, Baltimore could have a plug-and-play tackle ready to work on Day One.