Ravens Draft Pick Models Game After Ronnie Stanley
The Baltimore Ravens are known for their strong, dominant offensive line, which has been a cornerstone of the team’s success over the years. Ronnie Stanley, the left tackle drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, has become one of the premier players at his position, anchoring the offensive line and protecting Lamar Jackson’s blindside. Stanley’s blend of athleticism, technique, and durability has set the bar high for what the Ravens expect from their offensive linemen. This year, the Ravens made a strategic move in the draft, selecting a new offensive line prospect whose style and playing approach are remarkably similar to Stanley’s. This new draft pick has the potential to shape the future of the Ravens’ offensive line for years to come, and many are wondering if he can follow in Stanley’s footsteps as the next stalwart of the unit.
The left tackle position has long been one of the most important spots on an NFL team’s roster. A top-tier left tackle protects the quarterback’s blindside, making them an integral part of the offense’s success. Stanley’s rise to the top of his position was no fluke. He quickly became known for his ability to both pass protect and open up running lanes, especially as the Ravens leaned into a run-heavy offense with Jackson at quarterback. Stanley’s performances over the years have made him an indispensable part of the Ravens’ offensive line, and his presence on the field has given the team confidence in both the passing and running games. It’s no wonder that the Ravens, with their keen eye for talent and their focus on maintaining a strong offensive line, would seek out a player who can replicate Stanley’s success.
Enter the Ravens’ latest draft pick. This year, Baltimore selected a talented young offensive lineman who plays with a style reminiscent of Stanley. His combination of size, athleticism, and technical proficiency makes him an ideal candidate to fill a critical role in the Ravens’ offense. Scouts have been impressed by how the draft pick moves on the field, especially in pass protection, where his ability to mirror defenders and maintain a low center of gravity allows him to be a formidable force on the left side of the line. Much like Stanley, he has shown an aptitude for both moving defenders in the run game and providing stability in pass protection.
The Ravens have always been a team that places a premium on the offensive line, understanding that success in the trenches often leads to success on the scoreboard. This philosophy is particularly important with a quarterback like Lamar Jackson, who thrives in both the passing and running games. Jackson’s dual-threat ability has revolutionized the Ravens’ offense, but for Jackson to operate effectively, he needs a strong, reliable offensive line. Stanley has long been the anchor of that line, and now the Ravens hope their new draft pick can build on that tradition.
What stands out about the draft pick is his athleticism. Like Stanley, he possesses the quick feet and lateral movement necessary to excel in pass protection against some of the most talented pass rushers in the league. Stanley has often been praised for his agility and ability to slide and adjust in space, which is critical when facing fast, athletic edge rushers. The Ravens’ new draft pick shares many of these traits, showing the same fluidity and ability to handle defenders who rely on speed to generate pressure. His ability to stay balanced and control his opponent, even when faced with a rush that involves a mix of power and speed, is impressive and speaks to his potential.
In addition to his agility, the draft pick has shown an advanced understanding of leverage and hand placement, which is essential for controlling defensive linemen. Stanley has always been known for his excellent technique in these areas, and the new Ravens’ pick appears to have the same natural feel for the game. His ability to engage defenders with a strong initial punch and to keep them at bay with his arms and hands will be a key factor in his development. The Ravens coaching staff will likely work to refine these skills further, just as they did with Stanley, who became a master at using his hands to disengage from defenders.
The Ravens’ commitment to developing their offensive linemen is something that has set them apart from other teams in the league. Over the years, Baltimore has made it a priority to bring in talent that fits their system, with a particular focus on the offensive line. The development of Stanley is a testament to the team’s coaching staff, who have taken a raw but talented player and shaped him into one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Now, with their new draft pick, the Ravens will look to continue that tradition of excellence and cultivate another cornerstone of their offensive line.
Of course, the rookie’s journey will not be without challenges. Even the most talented offensive linemen need time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NFL, especially when tasked with protecting a quarterback like Lamar Jackson. Jackson’s mobility adds another layer of complexity to the offensive line’s duties, as they must not only protect him in the pocket but also be prepared for him to scramble and extend plays. Stanley has been an exceptional left tackle in part because he understands Jackson’s playing style and can adjust his blocking accordingly. The rookie will need to quickly learn these nuances and build the chemistry with Jackson that Stanley has perfected over the years.
While it may take time for the new draft pick to reach the level of consistency and dominance that Stanley has shown, the foundation is certainly there. His skill set and physical traits align well with what the Ravens value in their offensive linemen, and with the team’s strong developmental coaching staff, there’s every reason to believe he can be molded into a key piece of the Ravens’ offensive line. The Ravens will likely bring him along gradually, easing him into the starting lineup and providing him with opportunities to learn from Stanley and the other veterans on the team.
The hope is that, in the long term, the rookie will not only meet the expectations placed on him but exceed them. If he can develop at the same rate as Stanley did, he could become a franchise left tackle who anchors the Ravens’ offensive line for the next decade. The similarities between the two players are striking, and while it is unrealistic to expect an immediate replica of Stanley’s impact, there’s a clear sense of optimism surrounding the rookie’s potential.
For the Ravens, the draft pick represents a crucial part of their future. With Lamar Jackson at the helm and a run-heavy offense that relies on the offensive line to create space, finding a player who can fill Stanley’s shoes is essential. If the new draft pick can live up to the hype and continue the legacy of dominant offensive line play in Baltimore, the team’s offensive line will remain one of the most feared in the league. The Ravens have shown that they know how to build their roster for sustained success, and their focus on developing offensive linemen like Stanley—and now their new draft pick—only reinforces their commitment to maintaining a championship-caliber team.
