The Ravens are anticipated to select “Huge.” Replacement for Ronnie Stanley

The Baltimore Ravens have long prided themselves on their tough, physical football culture, and a significant part of that identity starts in the trenches. The offensive line, in particular, has been a focal point of the Ravens’ strategy, with the success of their run-heavy offense often being a direct result of strong, reliable blocking up front. However, one of the most pressing concerns for the Ravens heading into the 2025 offseason is the future of their star left tackle, Ronnie Stanley.

Stanley, once considered one of the top left tackles in the NFL, has had his career significantly impacted by injuries in recent seasons. Despite being a key part of the Ravens’ offensive line and their success in previous years, the 2024 season raised serious questions about his ability to stay healthy and continue playing at an elite level. As a result, the Ravens are expected to explore the possibility of drafting a replacement for Stanley, particularly if his health continues to deteriorate.

With the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, the Ravens are anticipated to select a player who can potentially replace Stanley and solidify the offensive line for the future. Given the stakes and the importance of this decision, it’s essential to explore the factors that will influence the Ravens’ selection, as well as the prospects who could be the “huge” answer to their left tackle dilemma.

The Situation with Ronnie Stanley: A Career in Flux

Ronnie Stanley was drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft with the sixth overall pick. From the start, Stanley demonstrated his potential as a franchise-caliber left tackle. His combination of size, athleticism, and technical skill made him one of the top prospects at the position, and for several seasons, he was a cornerstone of the Ravens’ offensive line.

Stanley earned a reputation as one of the NFL’s top left tackles, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2019 and being recognized for his ability to protect the blind side of the quarterback. However, over the past few seasons, his career has been marred by injuries. In 2020, Stanley suffered a devastating ankle injury that required surgery and forced him to miss the remainder of the season. While he returned in 2021, he continued to struggle with the effects of the injury, and his performance has never quite been the same.

In 2024, Stanley appeared in only a handful of games, with his health issues continuing to limit his availability. While the Ravens have shown patience and support for Stanley throughout his struggles, it’s become clear that his future with the team is uncertain. Given the importance of the left tackle position in protecting the quarterback and setting the tone for the offense, the Ravens will need to consider whether Stanley can continue to be relied upon in 2025 and beyond.

As of now, it’s unclear if Stanley will be able to return to full health in the near future. If the Ravens do not believe Stanley can regain his elite form, they will likely begin to look for a long-term solution at the left tackle position, either through free agency, trades, or most likely, the draft.

The Importance of the Left Tackle Position

The left tackle is one of the most critical positions on the football field, particularly for a team like the Ravens, who rely heavily on their quarterback’s protection and running game. A franchise left tackle is vital for a team’s success because they are tasked with protecting the blind side of the quarterback, particularly for right-handed quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson. A strong, dependable left tackle not only provides security for the quarterback but also helps to solidify the offensive line as a whole, creating lanes for the running backs and ensuring the quarterback has time to make plays.

Given Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat abilities, his ability to extend plays and use his legs makes the left tackle position even more important. While Jackson is known for his ability to make plays on the run, he is also more effective when he has the time and protection needed to make throws downfield. As such, the Ravens’ offensive line needs to be strong, especially on the left side, to maximize Jackson’s potential and keep the offense moving efficiently.

With the uncertainties surrounding Stanley’s health, the Ravens will be looking for a player who can step in and provide immediate stability at left tackle. Whether they target a player with the sixth overall pick or trade up for someone they believe can be a future star, the decision to draft a replacement for Stanley is one of the most important moves the Ravens will make in the 2025 offseason.

The Need for a “Huge” Prospect

As the Ravens consider their options in the 2025 NFL Draft, one term that frequently comes up when discussing potential left tackle prospects is “huge.” For an NFL left tackle, size matters. A left tackle needs to be tall, strong, and physically imposing, capable of standing up to the elite pass rushers that dominate the NFL. This is especially true in the AFC, where teams like the Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Kansas City Chiefs have developed formidable pass rushers capable of creating havoc in the backfield.

The Ravens are looking for a player who not only has the size and strength to dominate at the point of attack but also the athleticism to handle speed rushers on the edge. In particular, they’ll be looking for someone with a combination of a powerful lower body, the ability to slide quickly in pass protection, and the raw strength to handle bull rushes from opposing defensive linemen. The right balance between size, strength, and agility is critical for success at the position.

While there are multiple players in the 2025 draft class who possess these traits, a few stand out as being especially well-suited to the Ravens’ needs. Some of the most highly anticipated offensive tackle prospects include names like Penn State’s Olu Fashanu, Georgia’s Broderick Jones, and Notre Dame’s Joe Alt. These players are regarded as some of the most “huge” prospects available in the draft, with the physical attributes necessary to step in and anchor an NFL offensive line.

Potential 2025 Draft Prospects: The Best Fits for the Ravens

1. Olu Fashanu (Penn State) Olu Fashanu is one of the most highly touted offensive tackles in the 2025 draft class. Standing 6’6” and weighing around 320 pounds, Fashanu has the ideal size and strength to be an NFL left tackle. He’s known for his ability to mirror pass rushers with excellent footwork and hand placement, making him one of the best in pass protection. His combination of size, mobility, and technique makes him a potential franchise left tackle, and he would be an immediate upgrade for the Ravens if they choose to go this route.

2. Broderick Jones (Georgia) Broderick Jones is another highly regarded prospect with a massive frame at 6’4” and 310 pounds. Jones impressed during his time at Georgia, playing in big games and showcasing his ability to handle elite pass rushers. He has an impressive burst off the line of scrimmage and is particularly effective as a run blocker, fitting well into the Ravens’ ground-heavy offensive scheme. Jones’ potential to develop into a high-level left tackle makes him a prime candidate for Baltimore if they look to solidify the left side of their line for years to come.

3. Joe Alt (Notre Dame) Joe Alt is another promising left tackle prospect who stands 6’8” and weighs around 315 pounds. His massive frame and long arms make him a physical force in the trenches. Alt is known for his exceptional pass protection skills and ability to move well in space, which would allow him to thrive in the Ravens’ system. Although he is still developing in some areas, Alt’s potential to dominate in both the passing and running games makes him an intriguing option for the Ravens at left tackle.

The Ravens’ Decision-Making Process

The Ravens’ front office, led by General Manager Eric DeCosta, will need to carefully evaluate the left tackle prospects in the 2025 draft to determine which player best fits their needs. While all three of the prospects mentioned have the physical traits required to be successful in the NFL, there are other factors the Ravens will consider:

• Pass Protection Ability: Given the importance of protecting Lamar Jackson, the Ravens will prioritize a left tackle who excels in pass protection. This includes having the agility to handle speed rushers and the strength to fend off power rushes.
• Run Blocking Skills: The Ravens rely heavily on their running game, and their left tackle must be capable of opening running lanes for running backs like J.K. Dobbins. A strong, aggressive run blocker will be key to maintaining the team’s offensive identity.
• Football IQ and Leadership: The Ravens will also consider the player’s intelligence and leadership qualities. The left tackle is often considered one of the leaders of the offensive line, and a player who can call out protections, make adjustments, and keep the offensive line cohesive will be highly valued.
• Injury History and Durability: With Ronnie Stanley’s injury history weighing heavily on the team’s mind, the Ravens will be looking for a player who can stay healthy and reliable over the course of a long season.