2016 NFL Draft: 5 Best-Fit Prospects for Chip Kelly

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Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Ronnie Stanley

Despite the moves the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles have made to the top of the draft to likely take quarterbacks Jared Goff and Carson Wentz, the 49ers could still be out of the running for one of the elite defensive talents in the draft.

How the 49ers and the teams above them feel about Myles Jack’s knee will impact what San Francisco does at No. 7. However, should the Niners not be in a position to take one of Jalen Ramsey, Joey Bosa or DeForest Buckner then Notre Dame offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley will be in play.

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And the good news for the 49ers is that Stanley is another lineman who should be able to flourish in Kelly’s system.

Stanley has the long arms Baalke looks for and utilizes them to great effect to keep pass rushers at a distance. He strikes his opponent’s pads early with heavy punch, but it is Stanley’s footwork and short-area athleticism that is perhaps the most impressive aspect of his game.

Quick to set up off the snap, Stanley displays excellent lateral movement and light feet, making it extremely difficult for pass rushers to beat him around the edge. Even when a defender does get a jump on Stanley off the snap, he is able to recover in a short space of time.

With the athleticism to deal with secondary pass-rush moves and the intelligence to keep his head on a swivel and pick up new assignments on the fly, Stanley has the skill set to keep the pocket clean for a prolonged period of time.

One of Stanley’s best games came against possible top-10 pick Shaq Lawson in Notre Dame’s 2015 meeting with Clemson, and this play below is a good example of how he excels at getting to the second level. Stanley is able to push Lawson downfield and take him out of the play, helping open up a hole for DeShone Kizer to run through.

Stanley’s capability to get to the next level even when occupied by a blocker should excite NFL teams, who should also be encouraged by how well he stands up against secondary rush moves, as evidenced by the below play against Lawson.

Here Stanley keeps Kizer protected despite Lawson attempting to work his way to the quarterback with an inside move and a spin.

If Kelly’s passing offense is executed properly, then Stanley should not be asked to hold up in pass protection for long periods as often. But, having shown himself able to stand firm against multiple pass-rush moves, the 49ers should not hesitate in taking Stanley if he is the best on the board at No. 7.

Next: DeAndre Washington