Shane Ray Was One Of NFL’s Most Improved Pass Rushers

Pro Football Focus puts out a list of the top three improved defensive players at each position. Denver Broncos EDGE rusher Shane Ray made the list.

The Denver Broncos took a gamble on Shane Ray during the 2015 NFL Draft, selecting him with the 23rd overall pick.

So far, the gamble has seemed to pay off in a big way.

According to Pro Football Focus, which reveals a list of the top three most improved players from the previous year, Shane Ray was one of the most improved edge rushers in the NFL.

The numbers indicate that Ray went from a 45.8 overall rating in 2015 to a whopping 77.1 in 2016.

Only Miami Dolphins edge rusher Mario Williams had a bigger improvement.

Shane Ray joined a defense that was and still is destined to do great things. He has gotten the chance to learn from Demarcus Ware and Von Miller and really stepped up his game in year two.

Stepping into a bigger role with Demarcus Ware taking limited snaps, Ray took full advantage. He recorded ten sacks during the 2016 season. Not to mention that with the help of Von, he recorded his first NFL touchdown.

With Ware now retired, year three will be an even bigger year for Shane Ray.

It looks like the sophomore slump was nonexistent for the former Missouri linebacker.

I am very interested to see how he does taking a bigger role for the Denver Broncos this season. He has shown that he can be a force to be reckoned with.

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And with the Denver Broncos missing the postseason last year, I believe the defense will be even hungrier in 2017. Not just Shane Ray.

Look out for the third year player in 2017. I believe that there is more to come from this man. Perhaps even bigger than this past season.