Selected sixth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame—the first offensive lineman off the board—Ronnie Stanley was tasked with stepping directly into the starting left tackle role for Baltimore. While draft-day comparisons to past legends created high expectations, Stanley steadily answered the bell, proving to be a reliable blindside pass protector for nearly a decade.

Stanley blends smooth lateral footwork with long arms to execute a traditional pass-blocking method. Instead of brute strength, he uses patient, controlled kick-slides to create a wide boundary, forcing edge rushers to take long arcs around the pocket. His fast recovery lets him handle inside counter moves, and his fluid movement in space makes him a strong pulling blocker in Baltimore's heavy-option running schemes.

Stanley entered the lineup right away as a rookie in 2016, starting 12 games and demonstrating strong pass-blocking skills. He further developed those skills over the next two seasons, starting 15 games in 2017 and 2018, and played a key role on the line during Lamar Jackson's rookie breakout late in the season.

His career peaked in 2019 when he served as the main blindside protector for Jackson's MVP season. Stanley allowed only half a sack throughout the year and contributed to the league’s highest-scoring offense. That year, he earned his first Pro Bowl nod and was named a First-Team All-Pro, solidifying his reputation as one of the top left tackles in the NFL.

Adversity struck shortly after signing a long-term contract extension in 2020. A severe ankle injury limited him to just six games that autumn and sidelined him for nearly all of the 2021 season. Stanley mounted a long, arduous comeback, returning to play 11 games in 2022 and 13 in 2023, gradually working his way back to form.

His perseverance paid off with a standout 2024 season. Stanley started all 17 regular-season games for the first time, allowing only two sacks and contributing to a dynamic offense. His rebound performance earned him his second Pro Bowl selection. Before the 2025 season, he re-signed with Baltimore on a multi-year deal, starting another 16 games and reaffirming his role as Baltimore's long-term protector.

He enters this season with 120 games started, and has a lot more left.