Former Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens with the No. 6 overall pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday night, the first offensive lineman to be selected in the draft.
Stanley, who was named a second-team All-American by the Associated Press in this past season, is Notre Dame’s seventh offensive tackle to ever be drafted in the first round and its first since Luke Petitgout was drafted No. 19 overall by the New York Giants in the 1999 NFL Draft. Stanley is also the first Notre Dame player to be drafted in the top 10 overall since defensive tackle Bryant Young was drafted No. 7 overall in 1994 by the San Francisco 49ers and the highest selection for the program since quarterback Rick Mirer was selected No. 2 overall by the Seattle Seahawks in 1993.
The Irish Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2014, Stanley was projected to be drafted in the top 10 by many draft experts, including ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and NFL Network’s Mike Mayock. It had been reported Tuesday by NFL Media columnist Michael Silver that there was growing interest in Stanley, even as high as No. 3 by the San Diego Chargers — the Chargers ultimately drafted former Ohio State defensive lineman Joey Bosa.
Stanley is expected to start at left tackle for the Ravens, who saw last year's starter at the position, Eugene Monroe, struggle to stay healthy throughout the season, as he started only six games for the Ravens in 2015.
