2015 NFL Draft: Scouting Broncos edge rusher Shane Ray

The Denver Broncos selected former Missouri defensive end/linebacker Shane Ray in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He was ranked as the 3rd overall defensive end in the 2015 NFL Draft according to CBS Sports, and was ranked as the 23rd overall prospect in the entire Draft.

Elway said Ray was 10th on the team's draft board.

— Jeff Legwold (@Jeff_Legwold) May 1, 2015

Shane Ray played three seasons at Missouri, and put up some solid numbers. During his three-year career he totaled 120 tackles, 34 tackles for a loss, 19 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles. His best season came in 2014 when he totaled 65 tackles, 22.5 tackles for a loss, 14.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. Ray was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year while earning consensus first-team All-America status after leading the SEC in sacks and tackles for loss. He was All-SEC first team (AP, Coaches) and a Hendricks Award Finalist (nation's top defensive end). He was a semifinalist for the Lombardi and Bednarik awards.

Shane Ray

Outside linebacker/edge rusher, Junior, Missouri

Height: 6'3" Weight: 245lbs 40 time: 4.64 seconds

Bench Press: 21 reps Vertical Jump: 33 1/2"

Broad Jump: 10 feet 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.53 seconds

Three Cone Drill: 7.71 seconds

Film:

Scouting Report:

Strengths:

• A very explosive athlete
• Explodes off the line
• Twitchy athlete
• Is a very powerful player
• Has fast violent hands and knows how to use them
• Has good flexibility in his hips and shoulders
• High motor that doesn't quit and plays angry
• Plays with natural leverage
• elite change of direction ability
• Has multiple pass rush moves
• Plays well in space
• Has bloodlines
• turns the corner and quickly gets to the quarterback

Weaknesses:

• A little short for an edge guy, but not a big deal
• Can focus too much on hand fighting at times
• Not a great run defender
• Was cited for marijuana a few days before the Draft
• Is recovering from a toe injury

Quotes:

"I thought Ray had the quickest first step among pass rushers. He had a foot problem that some thought would cause him to fall in the draft. Then Monday he got pulled over. A lot of people thought that would force him out of the first round. Remember, DeMarcus Ware is 33 years old." -- Mike Mayock

"He's not like other guys from Missouri that we've seen. He's got serious speed to get over the top of tackles and those other ends didn't have it. You just wish he was a little longer." -- NFC outside linebackers coach

Thoughts on Ray:

If you asked me a few days ago what I thought about Ray I would have said he's hurt and a dumba** for getting caught with weed only days away from the Draft. I have come around a bit.

He made a mistake, but we have all made mistakes in our life. Lets see if Ware and Von can turn this guys life around. Ware helped Miller out this past season. Also, the Broncos feel like his toe will be okay.

Elway said he was checked out & he's fine; it shouldn't be a lingering issue. RT @Skotty_Payne: do we have an update on Ray's toe injury?

— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) May 1, 2015

I have heard a lot about Ray, but really haven't sat down and watched him on tape. I came away very impressed.

He's a very explosive player who can get after quarterback consistently. He plays with power and his relentless and is a very powerful guy. Lining him opposite of Von Miller could just be down right nasty. To quote MHR's Christopher Hart "If Von, Ware and Ray are on the field at the same time, People are going to die."

Ray could be a potential steal for the Broncos. Talent wise he's a top 5 to 7 player in this Draft. He just needs to quit the weed and recover from his toe injury.

You can never have enough pass rushers on your roster!