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The Denver Broncos' selection of Shane Ray in the first round has not been without controversy - especially because Denver seemingly made their offensive line even weaker in the process. Let's see how the Draft experts graded the Broncos' choice of Ray.
SBNation - D+
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A lot of people thought Shane Ray would slide into the second round, and with good reason. He just had a run in with the law, has a foot injury and his fit in a 3-4 defense is a big projection. Ray's burst is good but his lateral agility isn't. When you add in Denver trading away two picks, a starting offensive lineman while failing to address their own O-line, this one ends up being a head scratcher. This grade will bump up some if Denver adds a starting-caliber offensive lineman or two later in the draft.
NFL.com - C+
A trio of DeMarcus Ware, Von Miller and Shane Ray will be a terror off the edge, but the Broncos probably overpaid in order to move up from the No. 28 pick. Ray's off-the-field issues weren't the only questions teams had about him, and he doesn't exactly fill a need.
CBSSports.com - B-
The Broncos made the move up to get him because Arizona would have taken him. This is great value, but he has some issues. DeMarcus Ware is getting up in the years.
Bleacher Report - B
From the foot injury to the marijuana possession, Ray has raised more red flags than a decorator in Tiananmen Square. He’s not a Gholston, because the hustle and athleticism are there, but he will probably struggle early in his career.
Walter Football - B+
I stupidly dropped Shane Ray to the third round in the wake of his arrest, but I was told to slot him back into the first round. I ultimately had Ray going No. 22, so this is definitely the right range. Ray would've been a top-10 selection if it wasn't for his off-the-field issues, so Denver is getting a potential steal. Ray won't start right away, but he'll provide quality depth behind Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware and ultimately take over for the latter once he retires.
Sports Illustrated - B+
Ray grades out as a top-15 pick on tape, but this fall could be good for him. The Broncos are switching to an aggressive one-gap 3-4 base defense under Wade Phillips, and they'll need a long-term pass-rushing partner for Von Miller. Ray can slip in for DeMarcus Ware over time, as Ware will be 33 years old in August. Ray led the SEC with 14.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss in 2014, and he has a ridiculous first step. He'll be a perfect fit in the Phillips defense -- if he can keep his act together.
How would you grade the Broncos' first round pick?