2016 NFL Mock Draft: Chicago Bears Hit Home Run With Ronnie Stanley at 11
Despite needs all over the defense, a recent 2016 NFL Mock Draft has the Chicago Bears selecting offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley with the 11th overall pick. Would this be a strong decision?
Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the Chicago Bears are smack dab in the middle of a transition to a 3-4 defense. Their defensive unit was decent last season, but they clearly need more players who fit Fangio’s system.
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The Bears have the cap space to continue to find strong 3-4 players in free agency, but they are still mostly expected to take a defensive player with the 11th overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft. Not so fast. While the defense clearly needs some work, the Bears’ offensive unit is far from settled. If the right offensive prospect falls to them at number 11, the Bears should be ready to pounce.
In the latest 2016 NFL Mock Draft by Rotoworld’s Josh Norris released on Thursday, that is exactly what happened. Offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley fell further than expected in Norris’ mock, and the Bears scooped him up. While the need for defensive cornerstones is obvious, so is the Bears’ need for a franchise left tackle. Stanley undoubtedly has the talent to come in and solidify the position for the Bears.
Here is what Norris had to say about the selection:
"I actually liked Charles Leno Jr. coming out of Boise State as a late rounder, and he is best served as a utility offensive lineman on an NFL roster. Early in his head coaching career with the Panthers, John Fox made an investment at left in Jordan Gross. If Stanley is on the board, he needs to do the same here."
The Bears actually have some nice offensive pieces, but their offensive line has continually been an issue in recent seasons. Kyle Long should grow into a great player at right tackle, Matt Slauson is a strong and stable force at left guard and Hronnis Grasu has plenty of upside at center. Norris mentions Leno, who certainly has some upside moving forward, but he is far from a sure-thing at the left tackle position.
This offensive line has some talent, but they are lacking a franchise blind side protector to build around. Stanley is not a perfect prospect, but he is an incredibly talented player who bring a legitimate talent to one of the most important offensive positions.
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Stanley shows an impressive combination of size (6-foot-6, 312 pounds with great length), athleticism and strength that gives him legitimately elite upside at the next level. Stanley shows fantastic pass protection ability using his fantastic quickness to mirror opposing rushers with ease. He also has an aggressive nasty side when coupled with his obvious strength allows him to dominate as a run blocker.
Stanley has all of the skills to be a star at the next level, but he lacks consistent technique which does give him trouble at times. Stanley tends to play too high, especially at the point of contact, and needs clean up his footwork a bit. These sloppy tendencies are undoubtedly a concern, and may cause Stanley to slip down the board a bit.
However, that is the only reason he is even a possibility for the Bears at 11. His talent at a premium position makes Stanley an incredibly valuable player in this draft class. He is a legitimate top five talent in this draft, and could theoretically go as high as number three to the San Diego Chargers.
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That being said, in this 2016 NFL Mock Draft Stanley fall to the Bears at number 11. I understand the want for a defensive prospect, but the Bears would be foolish to give up this kind of value at an obvious position of need. His technique flaws will be able to be worked out at the next level. He is a talented NFL prospect who will succeed at the next level.
This pick is obvious, the Bears should be jumping for joy if they get an opportunity to land Stanley with the 11th overall pick.