2016 NFL Draft Profile: Ronnie Stanley, OT Notre Dame

Notre Dame offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley could be the answer to many team’s problems at left tackle, but could he part of the Minnesota Vikings future?

There aren’t many players like Notre Dame offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley in the NFL Draft. To have a player who can play either right or left tackle at a high level is something that most coaches dream of. Players like that provide versatility and options that make them much more valuable than players who only excel at one spot.

Stanley will be a first round draft pick. In fact, he should be a top-10 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. His instincts give him a huge advantage, as he is typically the first player on the offensive line to react to a snap and can quickly gain leverage or engage a defender to neutralize the pass rush.

Despite his great skill set, there are areas where Stanley will need to improve. There are times when he can get bulldozed by strong defenders and struggle to maintain blocks. It is likely that the team who drafts him will take the opportunity to set him up with a great workout plan to build more power to stop this from being an issue.

Here are Ronnie Stanley’s numbers from the events at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine according to NFL.com:

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (78) against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Height: 6’6″

Weight: 312 pounds

Arm Length: 35 5/8″

Hand Size: 10 5/8″

40 Yard Dash: 5.20 seconds

Weightlifting: N/A

Vertical Jump: N/A

Broad Jump: N/A

3 Cone Drill: 8.03 seconds

20 Yard Shuttle: 4.90 seconds

compares to:

CBS Sports: D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Jets
NFL.com: Lane Johnson, Eagles

Fit for the Minnesota Vikings:

The Vikings should always be looking for quality linemen, especially ones that can be plugged in on either side of the line. With the news that Matt Kalil will be likely be retained and a competition happening on the right side between Clemmings and Loadholt, it might not appear as though more bodies are needed to add to the mix, but a long-term answer at either of those positions would go a long way for the franchise.

Next: 5 moves the Vikings should make in free agency

My Take:

The Vikings will need to trade up in the 2016 NFL Draft if they want Ronnie Stanley, but I don’t think that is something the Vikings will do. Instead, they’ll look at later round prospects to bring in more depth and competition while focusing on other areas of need. That’s a shame, but Stanley has the potential to be a multiple time All-Pro, but should be long gone before Minnesota gets a crack at him.

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