Reactions from Stanley, Notre Dame Pro Day

The Tennessee Titans brass made their third Pro day stop of the week in South Bend, Indiana for Notre Dame’s Pro Day on Thursday. First on the agenda was to get a long look at offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley. The fighting Irish standout is considered a top-10 talent and is ranked as the No.2 offensive tackle behind Ole Miss OT Laremy Tunsil.

Overall, Stanley’s Pro Day results were considerably positive. Stanley impressed on tape showing quickness and consistency in cone drills while moving well with 6’6″, 315 pound size.

Reporting from inside Notre Dame’s facility, NFL.com Mike Mayock said ” All he (Ronnie Stanley) did has legitimize the fact he’s a top 10 pick in any draft. He is a better run blocker than Laremy Tunsil, not quite as athletic.”

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The question remains whether the Titans are truly considering Stanley at No.1.

As Mayock noted, in the area of run blocking, Stanley is a monster, being able to manhandle blockers and open lanes. However, Tunsil has displayed much more athleticism with his feet. Tunsil has also the advantage in terms of strength. Most analysts and draft experts see Tunsil as a marginally better prospect than Stanley.

NFL network analyst Brian Baldinger posted a video of Stanley’s performance verse top prospect and dominant college edge rusher Shaq Lawson.

Ronnie Stanley didn't surrender a sack or tfl v Shaq Lawson and he said it was his worst game of year..just sayin'! pic.twitter.com/AovYnBSrZh
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) February 26, 2016

If the Titans do decide to trade the pick and fall back somewhere in the top 10, Stanley is probably the guy they are looking at.

The solid pro day is exactly what Stanley needed as questions about his work ethic and motivation surfaced earlier in the week. A former NFC Personnel Director told Matt Lombardo of NJ.com “There are a lot of questions on his (Stanley’s) mental toughness and work ethic. He’s a very gifted athlete but has only average strength.”

As soon as the report surfaced, talks about Stanley falling down the draft board were evident.

In addition to Stanley, two prospects the Titans were able to evaluate up close and personal Thursday were wide receiver Will Fuller and center Nick Martin. Fuller is one of the top five receivers in the draft, and one of the options at the 33, and possibly at 66 if he slides a bit.

Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

With the signing of Ben Jones, who is relatively young and replacement Brian Schwenke reliable, the probability the Titans will invest a high pick in a center is low. That being said, Nick Martin from Notre Dame has received raved reviews and is expected to be the next Pro Bowl level center for years to come. A center like Martin, teamed with Marcus Mariota could be comparable to Jeff Saturday and Peyton Manning with Indianapolis.

Another takeaway from a busy day for the Titans in South Bend regards the recovery of Jaylon Smith. A projected top-5 pick only two months ago, Smith tore his ACL in the Battlefrog Frog Fiesta Bowl on a play where he has pushed behind and his knee bent awkwardly as he went down. Medical examinations showed major damage in Smith’s knee, and since has seen his stock drop immensely. On the first day of the NFL combine, Smith posted a video on twitter of himself walking without a crutch, although with a major hitch in his step. Thursday is an opportunity for the Titans to have in-depth talks with the Notre Dame staff and coaches about how Smith’s recovery is taking place and the timeline for the future.