49ers.com runs down the list of top players in the 2016 NFL Draft. We continue our "Meet the Prospect" series with a durable and experienced force in the trenches, Notre Dame tackle Ronnie Stanley.
First Glance
Stanley is widely considered one of the two best offensive lineman prospects in the draft – along with Ole Miss tackle Laremy Tunsil. He would have been a first-round pick a year ago but ultimately decided to return to South Bend for his senior season.
In three years as a starter for the Fighting Irish, Stanley never missed he game. As a senior in 2015, the lineman took home second-team All-American honors. He allowed just one sack as a junior. He can play on both sides of the line – although he spent his final two collegiate seasons at left tackle. Scouts love his footwork, long arms and football IQ.
The 49ers already have one Pro Bowl tackle in Joe Staley. Trent Brown and Erik Pears appear to be the leading candidates to start on the right side if the season started today. If San Francisco selects Stanley at No. 7, he would be the first offensive lineman taken by the team in the first round since Anthony Davis in 2010.
Measurables
Height: 6-6
Weight: 312
Arm length: 35 5/8 inches
Hand Size: 10 5/8 inches
NFL.com Pro Comparison
Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson
Best College Game
Stanley helped Notre Dame run over LSU to the tune of 263 rushing yards on 51 attempts in the 2014 Music City Bowl. The Tigers did not a record a sack on the Fighting Irish, either. Notre Dame won the game, 31-28, on a last-second field goal to cap Stanley's junior season.
Combine Statistics
40-yard dash: 5.20 seconds
Bench press: 24 reps (at Pro Day)
Vertical jump: N/A
Broad jump: N/A
3 cone drill: 8.03 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.90 seconds
Mock Draft Connections
NFL Media's Charles Davis – No. 6 overall pick (Baltimore Ravens)
ESPN's Todd McShay – No. 8 overall pick (Philadelphia Eagles)
NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah – No. 10 overall pick (New York Giants)
What the Media is Saying…
"There are technique issues to be mended in Stanley's game, but he's further along than most "raw" tackles and has far superior athletic and physical tools than most NFL tackles in the game today. I worry about what early struggles may do to his confidence, but under the right coaching and development, Stanley can develop into a top-tier NFL tackle in a few years. His experience and ability to play both sides should make him attractive to a plethora of NFL teams." – USA TODAY's Jon Ledyard
"Three-year starter with the outstanding foot quickness and pass protection talent expected from an early round left tackle prospect. Stanley showed great maturity in acknowledging his weaknesses and returning to school to work on them and improve his game. While Stanley's core power is still a concern, he showed improved strength and run blocking prowess this year and should be ready to come in and start right away for a team looking to protect a high-end quarterback." – NFL.com's Lance Zierlein
Fun Fact
Stanley became the first athlete to sign with Zappos, an online shoe and apparel retailer based out of the lineman's hometown (Las Vegas). This is noteworthy because Stanley won't be tied to a specific brand. Unlike most other endorsers, Stanley will be able to wear Nike, Under Armour or Adidas and change brands every week or even in-game. Another tidbit about Stanley is that he starred on his high school basketball team as a kid. That might help to explain where his shoe affinity derives from.
Must-see Video
Social Spotlight
Stanley has already seen a game Levi's® Stadium. And with the anointed king of snapchat nonetheless.
