Oct 18, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Shane Ray (56) rushes against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Missouri Tigers defeated the Florida Gators 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Shane Ray went through quite some ride in the last few days, but the Denver Broncos saw something inside of him that they could not afford to let go.
The Denver Broncos decided to focus on the defensive side of the football in the first round for the third straight year and drafted Shane Ray with the 23rd overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. The Broncos made a trade with the Detroit Lions to move up five spots to draft him, while giving up two fifth round picks and Manny Ramirez.
DeMarcus Ware, Von Miller, and now Shane Ray.
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 1, 2015
Pretty good pass rushers in Denver. #DENpick pic.twitter.com/9pbJKF2RfF
This pick is quite interesting, Shane Ray was recently cited for marijuana possession. Wade Phillips was looking to add some aggression and speed for the defense and I believe that Shane Ray can provide that for the defense. His play during his time with Missouri earned him SEC Defensive Player of the Year Honors during his junior year.
Some of his strengths include his ability to get to the quarterback from just about anywhere on the field. His explosion from the snap of the football is like seeing a track runner exploding off the line from the sound of the gun. Even if there is a offensive lineman ready to block him, Shane Ray has that impressive ability to shred from the offensive lineman in just a couple short moves and get to the quarterback while still maintaining that speed off the line. He seems to have very little weakness as it is difficult to point out exactly some glaring ones, which is excellent for a player of his caliber and his ability go cause havoc on the quarterback.
Shane Ray should become a solid player for the Denver Broncos as they continue to improve their defense and bring back that dreaded Orange Crush. Teaming him up with the likes of Von Miller and Demarcus Ware will be quite a force in the Mile High City.