With the sixth pick in the draft, the Ravens selected left tackle Ronnie Stanley of Notre Dame. Stanley will be expected to become a starter as a rookie, protecting quarterback Joe Flacco’s blind side. The addition of Stanley further clouds the Ravens future of left tackle Eugene Monroe, who has struggled to stay healthy the past two seasons.
Strengths: Stanley was an excellent pass blocker in college, and was improving as a run blocker. Scouts thought he was good enough to turn pro a year ago, but Stanley returned for his senior year. That should help him be NFL-ready by Week 1, and Stanley also impressed teams at the combine with his aptitude and demeanor during interviews.
Weaknesses: Stanley is not the most physical offensive lineman, and could be overpowered at times early in his career. If he has a rough day in training camp, or once the games start, does Stanley have a short enough memory to bounce back quickly?
Bottom line: This was a smart pick for the Ravens. Stanley is a safer choice at left tackle than Tunsil, and all of the Ravens’ plans for next season go up in smoke again if Flacco suffers another serious injury. Taking a player who can help keep Flacco healthy next season and beyond, and is step toward the Ravens reestablishing themselves as consistent playoff contenders.
After nine seasons in the NFL, former Ravens running back Justin Forsett announced he is retiring on Wednesday.
Over the course of his nine-year career, Forsett played for seven different teams, with his two most productive seasons coming in 2014-15 with the Ravens. In 2014, Forsett had a career-year and was named to the Pro Bowl after a season in which he amassed 1,266 yards on the ground to go along with eight touchdowns.
The following season, Forsett only started 10 games before suffering a broken arm against the St. Louis Rams that ended his season.
Last season, Forsett appeared in just nine games between the Ravens, Broncos and Lions.
Forsett, who was a seventh-round draft pick in 2008, was a great example of a player who wasn't the biggest or fastest, but still found a way to have a long and productive career in the NFL. Right after the 2017 NFL Draft, he penned a letter of encouragement to the current rookies who signed with teams as undrafted free agents.
More Ravens: Heap family asks for kindness after death of their three-year old daughter Holly
Former NFL tight end Todd Heap and his family went through an unimaginable tragedy. Now, they're looking to spread joy.
Police say Heap was moving a truck in the family's driveway on April 14, when he accidentally hit and killed his 3-year-old daughter Holly.
Now, after the outpouring of condolences and sympathy from friends, the Heap family wants to pay it forward.
The family has started the website "hugsfromholly.com" in memory of Holly, who would have turned 4 on Wednesday.
"Holly was known to give the best hugs, and her love for everyone and everything in life was contagious," a statement on the site reads. "Let's spread this joy as we scatter sunshine in Holly's honor on her birthday."
The former Pro Bowl tight end played 12 seasons in the NFL, for the Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals, before retiring in 2013.
"Smile more," the site reads. "Compliment somebody. Write a kind note. Share treats (or chicken nuggets). Do a free lemonade stand. Leave a bigger tip than usual. Pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru. Donate a book in Holly's honor. Turn up the music and dance ... the list is endless. Be creative!"
The family has also created the hashtag #hugsfromhollyday, and they ask participants to share their acts of kindness and post them on social media.
Hugsfromholly.com also includes an option to make a donation in their daughter's honor to the Baltimore Community Foundation, a group of charities that benefit the Baltimore area.
"Share this! Shout it from the rooftops!" the site continues. "Let's spread kindness and love and make Wednesday a HOLLYday!"
