Countdown to Week 1: No. 79, LT Ronnie Stanley

I’d like to make this intro longer for the franchise left tackle but I’m confident he would block me from typing it all out. Let’s get right into it. Day 79: Ronnie Stanley.

How Stanley Became a Raven

After a tumultuous 2015 season featuring guest appearances of Jimmy Clausen and Ryan Mallett at quarterback, the Ravens found themselves picking in the top 10 for the first time in 13 years. Many speculated whether the Ravens would select LT Laremy Tunsil or Stanley with their sixth overall selection, but as the draft kicked off, Tunsil’s Twitter account was hacked and caused Tunsil’s stock to drop. While Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said the hacking had nothing to do with their choice of Stanley, Ravens fans can rest easy knowing Stanley is on the team and Tunsil ended up earning a payday to make up for his losses on draft night.

Career as a Raven

Since 2016, Stanley has manned the left tackle position for the Ravens. In four seasons, Stanley has played and started in 56 games. Over the course of those four seasons he developed into an elite offensive lineman. In 2019, Stanley earned Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro honors. Pro Football Focus named Stanley the PFF Pass Blocker of the Year.

“Stanley’s PFF pass-blocking grade of 93.7 isn’t just the best mark for tackles this season, it’s one of the best grades we’ve ever given to a tackle. The only players to notch a better pass-blocking grade over a season since PFF has been grading are Jonathan Ogden (94.7), David Bakhtiari (94.0), and Joe Thomas (twice, 94.0 and 93.8).”

Contract info

The Ravens exercised the 2020 fifth-year option on Stanley back in April 2019, which nets the lineman $12.8 million in 2020. This means Stanley’s deal is complete following this season and if left unsigned, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent in 2021.

It doesn’t sound like that’s what either side wants as back in April 2020, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said there have been talks about a deal with Stanley. When asked about a pending deal, Stanley wasn’t worried.

“We’ve been in talks for the last couple of years now,” Stanley said on a conference call. “I’m comfortable with where we are in that regard. When the time comes it will come.”

Outlook for 2020

After Stanley’s utterly dominant 2019 season, you can’t help but expect the same in 2020. I’m confident he’s ready and will do his job on the field. Truthfully, I’m curious as to how he leads the offensive line as the veteran among his unit. With Marshal Yanda no longer playing, the “old-head” among the starters is Stanley.