Broncos' Shane Ray aiming to be Defensive Rookie of the Year

Although he isn't a lock to start Week 1, Denver Broncos outside linebacker Shane Ray has set a lofty goal for his rookie season.

Ray, a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker who's more likely to play the latter, is stuck behind the vaunted duo of Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware on Denver's depth chart. However, the 23rd overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft remains undeterred.

"I don't see anything less than Defensive Rookie of the Year. I mean that's my goal," Ray told NFL.com's Kevin Patra at the league's rookie symposium. "A lot of people might say that sounds cocky for you to say it right now, but I've always set high goals for myself, just like I did in college and that is something that I'm looking to prove, that I'm the best defensive rookie here."

The Missouri standout descended down some teams' draft boards after being cited for marijuana possession on April 27, but the Broncos saw an opportunity to select the best player available.

Miller and Ware serve as mentors to the rookie edge rusher, as Ray's taking the opportunity to learn from some of the best players at his position.

"I work with DeMarcus and Von every day," Ray said. "Some days I might work with Von on pass coverages, on reading receivers, how I'm supposed to play this receiver in this coverage. With DeMarcus, he might show me some hand stuff or pass rush stuff, like 'maybe you should try this.' With both of those guys, I kinda have the opportunity to look through their eyes on how they see things on the field and I just utilize that and add to my game."

It's entirely possible that Ray could supplant Derek Wolfe at left defensive end, but the 23-year-old is undersized for the position at 245 pounds.

After moving to a 3-4 base defense under defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, the Broncos could trot out the best defense in the league. Unfortunately for Ray, playing time could be hard to come by early on.