Ronnie Stanley and Orlando Brown Jr. both included in PFF’s top 25 offensive tackles

It’s no secret that the Ravens have one of the best offensive tackle duos in the NFL with All-Pro Ronnie Stanley at left tackle and Pro Bowler Orlando Brown Jr. at right tackle. PFF’s list of the top 25 OTs heading into the 2020 season reassures this with both players finding a spot.

Stanley is ranked fourth on their list behind Mitchell Schwartz of the Chiefs, Ryan Ramczyk of the Saints, and David Bakhtiari of the Packers.

“Stanley took his play to the next level in 2019. The fourth-year tackle posted a 93.3 pass-block grade and a 76.2 run-block grade, making him one of three tackles to rank in the top 10 at the position in both metrics last year. And it’s not like his elite-level play as a pass blocker was heavily influenced by the Ravens’ offense, either. On true pass sets (i.e., no play action, screen, designed rollout or quick throw), Stanley still ranked first in pass-block grade. He had always been an above-average player at the position prior to 2019, but he has now solidified himself as one of the NFL’s premier tackles.”

Stanley chose to perfect time to ascend into elite territory as he enters the fifth and final season of his rookie contract. If Texans LT Laremy Tunsil’s recent contract extension is any indication, then Stanley will be paid quite handsomely. With outside linebacker Matthew Judon playing on the franchise tag in 2020 after failing to reach a long-term deal with Baltimore, All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey entering his fourth season, MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson, Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews, and Brown Jr. being eligible for extensions in 2021, the Ravens will have their hands full trying to keep all of their homegrown stars in town.

Speaking of Brown, he landed at 15 on PFF’s list.

“The safe runner-up to the Saints in best tackle duo in the NFL is the Ravens with Stanley and Brown. Just a couple of years into his NFL career, the former third-round pick has made his name known as one of the future stars at the position. This past year, Brown produced the eighth-best grade on true pass sets and was 14th in negatively graded run block rate among NFL tackles.”

To say Baltimore got a steal by taking Brown in the third round would be an understatement. Once a first-round prospect, Brown fell in the draft after a disastrous combine workout. The Ravens trusted the tape, however, and were rewarded highly. Brown follows in his late father’s footsteps, Orlando Brown Sr., who spent the majority of his career in Baltimore. With his best football ahead, it would wise to keep Brown Jr. around for the long haul as well if possible.