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2016 Buccaneers Draft Profile: OT Ronnie Stanley

By Brian DeFeo

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
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 /
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In Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft he has the Buccaneers taking Notre Dame Offensive Tackle Ronnie Stanley. Lets look at why the Bucs could go offense in the first for the fourth time in the last five drafts.

Every Bucs’ fan, including myself, wants the Buccaneers to draft defensive help in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft.  The Bucs need serious help in the secondary and on the defensive line, but if a player doesn’t fall that they deem worthy of a top ten pick they could go best player available with offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley.  The Bucs drafted two offensive linemen in last year’s draft, but taking Stanley could solidify the offensive line for the next three to five years.

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Stanley was a four-star recruit coming out of high school and a top 15 offensive line prospect.  He committed to Notre Dame after receiving offers from multiple schools.  Stanley only played in two games as a true freshman as a backup to Zack Martin, Dallas Cowboys’ All-Pro lineman.  As a sophomore, Stanley started all 13 games at right tackle on an offensive line that was ranked 2nd in all of college football and only allowed eight sacks all year.  In 2014, he moved to left tackle, filling in for Martin after he went to the NFL.  He was even better that year and only allowed one sack.  He could have joined the 2015 draft and been a top pick, but he decided to stay in school for his senior season.  As a senior he was a Consensus All-American and won the Plynesian Player of the Year.

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

At the combine, Stanley posted solid numbers but did not do the bench press.  He did very well at the linemen drills and did not hurt his draft stock.  At the Notre Dame Pro-Day on March 31st Stanley impressed.  He did 24 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press.  Offensive line coaches tried everything to challenge him but he produced every time. He looked fluid, strong, and like an automatic top ten pick.  He is still behind Tunsil as the number two tackle in the draft, but has the skill to be a starting left tackle for many years from day one.

Stanley’s main strength is definitely his size.  At 6 feet 6 inches and 312 pounds he is very quick and agile.  He blocks quicker linebackers coming off the edge very skillfully.  He played on one of the best offensive lines in college football for three straight years playing the most important position.  He does not panic and plays to his strengths to beat edge rushers.  His main weakness is he’s not the strong mauler that is utilized against bull rushers.  He is still well-balanced enough to produce against the best of the best.

How Stanley would fit in with the Bucs would be a little complicated.  Stanley is a left tackle and his talents would be under-utilized on the right side. The Bucs have come out and said that Donovan Smith was going to be their left tackle going forward.  If they were to draft Ronnie Stanley, Smith should move to the right and they could move on from Cherilus and Dotson. Stanley isn’t the mauler that the Bucs like to help with their running game but he is too

As I stated earlier I would much rather have them draft a defensive player to rush the passer or defend the pass but if you have the opportunity to draft a player that could solidify your offensive line you should do it.  Look at the Cowboys.  They drafted linemen early the past few years and now have the best offensive line in the game.  Imagine if Doug Martin and Charles Sims could run behind that line and Winston had a ton of time in the pocket.  Evans and Jackson could get open easily downfield.

Next: Draft Profile: Jalen Ramsey

I could see the Bucs trade down if the defensive player they want doesn’t fall but passing up an offensive lineman that could solidify the offense for years to come.  Stanley has been projected as high as number three in some mock drafts, so he may not even be there for the Bucs at nine, but passing on him wouldn’t be wise.

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