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2016 NFL Mock Draft Version 4.0 – The Free-Agency Update

By David Harrison

Feb 8, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell during a "Handoff to Houston" press conference at the Super Bowl Media Center at Moscone Center-West. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell during a "Handoff to Houston" press conference at the Super Bowl Media Center at Moscone Center-West. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (78) celebrates defeating the LSU Tigers 31-28 during the second half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (78) celebrates defeating the LSU Tigers 31-28 during the second half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

. OT. Notre Dame. Ronnie Stanley. 6. player. 26

Baltimore couldn’t do much because of a tumultuous cap situation, but what they did do was address a few key areas. Safety Eric Weddle brings veteran presence and assured safety talent while Mike Wallace will be a sleeper fantasy pick with Joe Flacco firing the ball down-field to the speedster.

There are more areas of need, and one more now with Kelechi Osemele leaving the east coast for the west coast. No matter the free agent signings, or the return of Steve Smith for one more season, Flacco can’t do anything without protection. The Ravens have to address the vacancy left by Osemele.

Ronnie Stanley is the draft’s second rated offensive tackle, and the Ravens best chance of keeping their quarterback upright long enough to let receivers Smith and Wallace get deep. The Notre Dame prospect is a sure blocker with good footwork and the ability to take on some of the game’s best pass rushers.

As a three-year starter in South Bend, Stanley has become extremely adept at pass blocking, and is no lamb when it comes to run blocking. The Ravens may not look like a Super Bowl contender on paper, but their roster will look much nicer with Stanley on it.

 

Previously:  Vernon Hargreaves III – CB – Florida

Next: 7. San Francisco 49ers

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