John Harbaugh expects Ronnie Stanley to “continue to ascend,” highlighting his growth and importance to the Ravens’ offensive line

The Baltimore Ravens have long been recognized for their strong defensive play, but in recent years, it has been their offensive line that has emerged as a key strength of the team. At the heart of that offensive line is Ronnie Stanley, the All-Pro left tackle who has been an anchor for the Ravens’ front five. Head coach John Harbaugh recently praised Stanley, stating that he expects the talented tackle to “continue to ascend,” signaling that the best may still be ahead for the former No. 6 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Stanley’s journey to becoming one of the NFL’s top left tackles has been a story of resilience, growth, and perseverance. From his early days at Notre Dame, where he was a standout player, to his successful transition into the NFL, Stanley has shown an ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments. However, his path has also been marked by adversity, most notably a significant injury that threatened to derail his career. With Harbaugh’s recent remarks, it’s clear that the Ravens’ head coach believes Stanley is not only fully recovered but on the cusp of reaching new heights in his career.

This article will explore the importance of Ronnie Stanley to the Baltimore Ravens, focusing on his past performance, his challenges with injuries, the expectations for his future growth, and how his continued development is critical to the team’s success in both the present and future. Harbaugh’s comments reflect the faith the Ravens have in Stanley as the cornerstone of their offensive line, and we will analyze how his role has evolved and why he is so crucial to the team’s Super Bowl aspirations.

Ronnie Stanley’s Path to the NFL

Ronnie Stanley’s journey to the NFL started at Notre Dame, where he quickly made a name for himself as one of the top offensive tackles in college football. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 315 pounds, Stanley possessed the size, strength, and agility needed to excel at the tackle position. During his time at Notre Dame, he earned several All-American honors and became known for his ability to protect the quarterback’s blind side with precision and poise.

In 2016, Stanley’s strong college career culminated in his selection by the Ravens as the sixth overall pick, a choice that reflected the team’s commitment to bolstering their offensive line. Baltimore had long been known for its tough, physical running game, and adding a cornerstone tackle like Stanley seemed like the perfect move to help protect quarterback Joe Flacco and create running lanes for the team’s potent ground attack.

Stanley’s early years in the NFL showed why he was considered one of the best prospects in his draft class. As a rookie, he quickly made an impact, securing the starting left tackle spot and providing immediate stability to the Ravens’ offensive line. Stanley’s play in his first few seasons was characterized by his smooth technique, excellent footwork, and a natural ability to move defenders off the ball. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and showed signs of becoming one of the league’s top tackles.

Overcoming Injury and Setbacks

While Stanley’s early years in the NFL were promising, his career took an unfortunate turn with a significant injury. In 2020, Stanley suffered a serious ankle injury that required surgery and kept him sidelined for most of the season. The injury not only limited his playing time but also raised questions about his long-term durability. For an elite left tackle, an injury to the lower body is particularly concerning, as it is vital to be able to plant, pivot, and move laterally with precision to protect the quarterback and block effectively in the run game.

The injury forced Stanley to miss a significant portion of the 2020 season, and many wondered if it would affect his future performance. However, Stanley’s resilience became evident as he worked tirelessly to recover and get back on the field. He was determined to return to the level of play that had made him one of the league’s top left tackles before the injury, and his work ethic paid off.

By 2021, Stanley had made a successful recovery and was back in the starting lineup for the Ravens. While there were moments when his performance appeared to be affected by lingering concerns over the injury, he showed flashes of his former dominance. His return to the field was seen as a key moment for the Ravens, who knew that Stanley’s presence on the left side of the line was vital to their offense’s success.

Harbaugh’s Confidence in Stanley

In a recent press conference, John Harbaugh made it clear that he believes Ronnie Stanley is poised for even greater success in the seasons to come. Harbaugh said, “I expect Ronnie to continue to ascend.” These comments reflect the high regard in which Harbaugh holds Stanley’s talent and work ethic. Harbaugh, who has been the head coach of the Ravens since 2008, has seen many players come and go, but his confidence in Stanley stands out.

Harbaugh’s statement about Stanley’s continued ascent speaks volumes about the expectations the Ravens have for their left tackle moving forward. While Stanley has already established himself as one of the premier tackles in the NFL, Harbaugh sees untapped potential. This could be due to the continued growth in Stanley’s physical conditioning, his ability to develop chemistry with the offensive line, or his progress in fully recovering from his injury. Harbaugh also mentioned that Stanley’s leadership and approach to the game will continue to make him an even more valuable asset as the Ravens aim for a Super Bowl title.

The Importance of Stanley to the Ravens’ Offensive Line

As the anchor of the offensive line, Stanley’s role is critical to the success of the Ravens’ offense. The Ravens have long relied on their ability to run the ball effectively, using a variety of running backs and their dual-threat quarterback, Lamar Jackson, to control the tempo of games. A powerful, cohesive offensive line is essential to maintaining that identity, and Stanley has been at the forefront of that effort.

Stanley’s job as left tackle is not just about blocking for the running game. He is tasked with protecting Lamar Jackson’s blind side, which is one of the most crucial jobs on the field. Jackson, known for his incredible mobility and ability to make plays outside the pocket, relies heavily on his offensive line to provide him with the time and protection he needs to make big plays. Stanley’s ability to neutralize elite pass rushers and create a clean pocket for Jackson is essential to the Ravens’ offensive success.

Additionally, Stanley’s versatility allows the Ravens to be flexible in their offensive approach. While the Ravens have traditionally focused on a run-heavy offense, Stanley’s athleticism and pass-blocking prowess make it possible for the team to shift to a more balanced attack when necessary. This adaptability is particularly important as the Ravens look to evolve their offense in the post-Hollywood Brown era, with Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers emerging as key receiving threats.

What the Future Holds for Stanley and the Ravens

Looking ahead, the future of Ronnie Stanley appears bright, and it’s clear that the Ravens are relying on him to continue to be a cornerstone of their offensive line for years to come. Stanley’s growth over the next few seasons will be crucial to the Ravens’ long-term success. As the team continues to build around Lamar Jackson and other emerging stars, Stanley’s continued development will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the offense remains one of the most dangerous units in the NFL.

With John Harbaugh’s confidence in Stanley’s potential, the Ravens can build an offensive line that can protect Jackson, open running lanes for their backs, and keep the team competitive in the playoff hunt. The Ravens are also looking to extend Lamar Jackson’s contract, which further underscores how important Stanley will be in helping the team take the next step toward a Super Bowl championship.

Another key consideration for the future is Stanley’s health. While the 2025 season looks promising, the Ravens will need to continue to monitor Stanley’s condition and ensure that he remains healthy throughout the year. The team’s medical staff and strength coaches will play an important role in ensuring Stanley’s longevity, particularly as the NFL season stretches into the playoffs.

As Stanley continues to recover from his injury and improve his overall play, the Ravens will be a formidable force in the AFC, particularly if Stanley continues to perform at an elite level. For the Ravens to achieve their goal of winning a Super Bowl, Stanley will need to remain healthy, be consistent, and be the leader of a line that allows Lamar Jackson to excel and take the offense to new heights.