2016 NFL Draft Big Board: December Update
By Jon Dove
Sep 19, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (78) prepares to block Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets linebacker Tyler Marcordes (35) at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
6. Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Notre Dame’s Ronnie Stanley is an experience and talented left tackle prospect. His decision to return to school this past season helped him smooth out some of the issues in his game. He’s now one of the most consistent players available while also possesses a high upside.
Stanley is battling Ole Miss’s Laremy Tunsil to be the first offensive tackle selected in the 2016 Draft. The difference between the two is that Tunsil is the better athlete and pass protector while Stanley is more physical.
Teams tend to lean towards the better athlete with hopes of adding strength, but with Stanley there’s little work to be done. He’s a strong pass protector and does a great job generating a push off the line. His ceiling might not be as high as Tunsil but he absolutely has a higher floor.
The Jacksonville Jaguars would be a great landing spot for Stanley. Gus Bradley want to field a physical team and establish a strong ground game. Jacksonville also has a need at left tackle where former No. 2 overall pick Luke Joeckel hasn’t worked out.
Adding Stanley to the mix would open things for the run game while also helping keep Blake Bortles upright.
Next: No. 7 Vernon Hargreaves III