Ravens ‘Favorite’ Ronnie Stanley Replacement Already Named

Ravens ‘Favorite’ Ronnie Stanley Replacement Already Named

The Baltimore Ravens have a storied history of building dominant offensive lines, often regarded as one of the most important units in their arsenal. Over the years, the Ravens have produced numerous Pro Bowl-caliber linemen and have continually made it a priority to protect their quarterbacks and open lanes for their running backs. The offensive line has been central to the team’s success, particularly in the run game, which has been a staple of the franchise’s identity for decades.

However, as the NFL has evolved, so too have the challenges faced by offensive linemen. Injuries, age, and the demanding nature of the game have led to significant changes in the makeup of many teams’ offensive lines. One of the most pressing concerns for the Ravens in recent years has been the health of their star left tackle, Ronnie Stanley, a player regarded as one of the best in the league at his position when fully healthy.

Stanley, a former sixth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, has had a rocky road in terms of injuries. After earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2019, Stanley’s 2020 season was marred by a devastating ankle injury that required surgery. The injury has kept him out for extended periods, and his recovery timeline has raised questions about his long-term availability. With the Ravens’ 2023 season kicking off, many wondered what the team would do in terms of securing the left tackle position if Stanley could not return to full health.

In response to this uncertainty, the Ravens have already started thinking about life after Stanley, and reports suggest that the team may have already named their “favorite” replacement at the left tackle position. The player in question is none other than second-year tackle Daniel Faalele—an imposing figure who, although inexperienced, is seen as the future anchor of the Ravens’ offensive line.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Faalele’s potential, how the Ravens are positioning themselves to succeed in the absence of Stanley, and what this means for the franchise’s future at the left tackle position. We’ll also examine the current state of the Ravens’ offensive line, how they can continue to thrive with or without Stanley, and what Faalele’s rise means for the long-term future of the team.

Ronnie Stanley’s Impact on the Ravens’ Offensive Line

Before delving into the potential of Daniel Faalele, it’s important to understand the impact that Ronnie Stanley has had on the Ravens’ offensive line. When healthy, Stanley has been a cornerstone of the Ravens’ offensive line, serving as a bookend on the left side for the team’s potent ground game and providing exceptional protection for quarterbacks, particularly during Lamar Jackson’s MVP season.

Stanley’s ability to pass protect against some of the league’s best pass rushers has made him a key figure in keeping the pocket clean for Jackson and, at times, backup quarterbacks. His agility, quickness, and awareness make him one of the most coveted tackles when he is on the field, and his absence has been deeply felt by the Ravens’ offense. The team has struggled in his absence to find a consistent replacement, with the likes of veteran tackle Alejandro Villanueva stepping in temporarily during the 2021 season.

In addition to his individual performance, Stanley’s presence allowed the Ravens to consistently operate one of the most effective rushing attacks in the league. With Stanley leading the charge on the left side, the Ravens’ offensive line was able to pave the way for their dynamic running backs, including J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and the quarterback-led rushing attack with Lamar Jackson.

Unfortunately, Stanley’s injuries have significantly hindered the team’s ability to stay consistent in their offensive line play, and there have been legitimate concerns about whether Stanley could ever return to his Pro Bowl level of play. After multiple surgeries and setbacks, his status remains uncertain, leading the Ravens to prepare for the possibility of life without him.

The Rise of Daniel Faalele

Enter Daniel Faalele, a massive right tackle from the University of Minnesota who was drafted by the Ravens in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’8” and weighing 380 pounds, Faalele immediately made a statement with his sheer physical presence. His size alone makes him a formidable force in the trenches, but it’s his raw talent, potential, and work ethic that have captured the attention of the Ravens’ coaching staff.

Faalele’s journey to the NFL has been unique. Born in Australia, he initially played Australian Rules Football before taking up American football in his later teenage years. This late start to football did not hinder his development, as he quickly became a standout at the University of Minnesota. His combination of size, athleticism, and raw power caught the eyes of NFL scouts, and despite his relative inexperience, he became one of the more intriguing prospects in the 2022 draft class.

The Ravens saw an opportunity in Faalele and were eager to bring him into the fold, understanding that while he had a lot to learn, his ceiling was incredibly high. Faalele’s potential as a franchise left tackle was clear, and the Ravens hoped that with proper coaching, he could develop into one of the best in the league. The fact that he was drafted to be a right tackle initially, with the possibility of transitioning to the left side down the line, indicated that the team had a vision for his long-term future.

The Plan for Faalele as Stanley’s Replacement

As the 2023 season has unfolded, the Ravens have been giving serious consideration to moving Faalele into a starting role at left tackle if Stanley is unable to fully recover. The team’s front office and coaching staff have been carefully monitoring Faalele’s development, and reports suggest that he has made significant strides in his technique and understanding of the game.

While it’s clear that Faalele still has room to grow, his size and athleticism have made him an intriguing option at left tackle. With his rare combination of size and mobility, Faalele has the ability to protect the quarterback’s blindside, and his vast potential makes him an appealing long-term solution.

Faalele’s ability to make the transition from right tackle to left tackle is a key factor in the team’s decision-making process. Playing left tackle requires a different set of skills than playing on the right side, including the ability to mirror pass rushers with the opposite hand and footwork. This transition can be difficult for many young tackles, but Faalele’s coaching staff is confident that with the right amount of development, he has the potential to thrive in the role.

The Ravens have been working with Faalele closely, helping him refine his footwork, hand placement, and overall technique. His raw power is already evident, and his physical attributes make him an imposing figure in the trenches. However, the coaching staff is also ensuring that he is developing the mental and technical aspects of the position that will allow him to excel against the league’s top pass rushers.

The Benefits of Developing Faalele as the Left Tackle

One of the main benefits of developing Faalele as Stanley’s eventual replacement is the continuity it provides for the Ravens’ offensive line. With the prospect of losing Stanley to injury or retirement, Faalele offers a potential long-term solution. Having a young, powerful, and highly athletic tackle at the left side would help solidify the Ravens’ offensive line for years to come, ensuring that they can continue to run their powerful offense and protect Lamar Jackson effectively.

Another advantage of Faalele’s development is that it frees up the Ravens to focus on other areas of their roster without worrying about the left tackle position. Should Faalele continue to progress, the Ravens would not have to make another significant investment in a left tackle, allowing them to allocate resources to other positions that need bolstering. This is particularly important in a salary cap-driven league, where teams must make decisions about how to prioritize their funds.

The Potential Impact on the Ravens’ Offense

If Daniel Faalele successfully steps into the left tackle role, it will have a ripple effect on the entire Ravens’ offense. The left tackle position is arguably the most important spot on the offensive line, especially when it comes to protecting a quarterback’s blindside. For Lamar Jackson, a mobile quarterback who relies on clean pockets to execute his dynamic playmaking ability, having a reliable left tackle is crucial to his success.

A strong left tackle ensures that Jackson can operate with confidence, whether he’s in the pocket or outside of it. If Faalele can adequately fill that role, Jackson will have more time to survey the field, make reads, and execute the explosive plays that have become the hallmark of the Ravens’ offense. Additionally, a stable offensive line allows the running game to function at a high level, which is essential for a team that has relied heavily on its ground attack.