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2015 NFL Draft: Evaluating Ronnie Stanley’s Stock After Week 14

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By @markboone99

Notre Dame Ronnie Stanley 2015 NFL Draft

Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Despite Notre Dame’s ridiculous 49-14 blowout loss to the USC Trojans last Saturday, Fighting Irish LT Ronnie Stanley has continued to increase his stock for the 2015 NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-6, 318-pound redshirt sophomore displayed the same qualities of aggressiveness, power and balance that initially caught the league’s attention in the first place, making him an easy first- or second-round draft pick. Stanley’s pro-caliber play has earned him a No. 2 rating out of 142 offensive tackles under consideration.

Even in the face of repeated losses this season, Stanley has managed to consistently stand out as a phenomenal scouting prospect.

On several occasions during the USC game, Stanley lined up against the Trojans’ top DL Leonard Williams. Just as expected, he displayed exceptional agility, footwork and execution. Not once did the young tackle give in to pressure. His heavy hands, extensive arm length and swift lateral agility allowed him to control and negate the angles of his opponents.

Some of Stanley’s best performances came earlier in the season when the Fighting Irish faced Stanford, Florida State, Arizona State and Louisville. His consistency during the USC game further supports the case that he is absolutely capable of playing NFL-caliber football. However, the redshirt sophomore will probably wait another year before he decides to take the plunge.

That’s not to say that he wouldn’t get picked up right away. In fact, there are many eyes in the league closely watching the coveted scouting prospect, some of which refer to Stanley as a big-time player. Although his name does not always resonate in talks of key players in the offensive tackle position, Stanley has definitely left an impression that could pay dividends in the spring, if he chooses to move forward.

Mock drafts suggest that Stanley would be the ideal No. 8 pick for the Carolina Panthers. His size and ability would definitely help mend their faltering frontline so they can better protect Cam Newton.

Mark Boone is a Sports Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @MarkBoone99, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

 

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