Ronnie Stanley

Notre Dame offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (78) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wake Forest in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015. Notre Dame defeated Wake Forest 28-7. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

(Michael Conroy)

Notre Dame holds its Pro Day Thursday in South Bend, Ind. and offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley will need a strong showing to change the opinion of some scouts ahead of next month's NFL Draft.

While some analysts believe Stanley is the second best offensive tackle in this year's draft class behind only Mississippi product Laremy Tunsil, there are scouts and NFL insiders who believe the Golden Domer could be a candidate to slide down the draft board.

"There are a lot of questions on his mental toughness and work ethic," A former NFC personnel director told NJ Advance Media on the condition of anonymity. "He's a very gifted athlete, but has only average strength."

Stanley, 6-foot-5 and 304 pounds started every game for the Fighting Irish last season en-route to being named a consensus All-American. However, in the run up to the NFL Draft, Stanley will have to prove himself once again at his Pro Day in the eyes of some talent evaluators, including the Eagles who have been linked to him in recent mock drafts.

"He didn't lift at the Combine and said last week he thought he would do 20 reps at his Pro Day," the source said. "That's awful for an elite offensive lineman. He has to really come out and work hard at his Pro Day.

"His task is to erase some doubts. He has huge upside but also huge downside. Stanley has the natural tools to be great, but there is a big 'if' involved with him. That means there is also a huge bust factor teams need to consider."

Stanley has heard the criticism emanating from NFL circles and says he hopes to put them to rest before the draft gets underway in Chicago on April 28.

"I've just heard many different things that people think I'm just a laid back guy that just relies on his talent, doesn't really love the game like he should," Stanley said. "I'm really trying to show those people what football means to me - not necessarily those people, but the teams."

Matt Lombardo may be reached at MDLombardo@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardo975. Find NJ.com Eagles on Facebook.