Broncos move up to select Shane Ray 23rd overall
Follow the action with our NFL Draft Tracker, which includes all seven rounds, scouting profiles, trades and rumors.
The Denver Broncos have traded up five spots to select defensive end Shane Ray out of Missouri with the 23rd overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Denver traded guard Manny Ramirez, the 28th overall pick, a fifth-round selection and a 2016 fifth-round selection in order to move up to select Ray.
Ray was recently cited for marijuana possession but it didn't deter the Broncos from selecting the Missouri standout. In his lone season as a starter at Missouri, Ray recorded 14.5 sacks after backing up Kony Ealy and Michael Sam.
The 21-year-old can play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme and with Denver moving to a 3-4 defense, Ray could play as an outside linebacker, possessing the necessary speed to excel in that particular scheme.
Ray shows great anticipation off the snap and will likely acclimate to Wade Phillips' defense quickly entering his first professional campaign.
Shane Ray Bio
Position: DE
School: Missouri
College Experience: Redshirt Junior
Height: 6-3
Weight: 245 lbs.
Age: 21
Pro Day Results
| Event | Result |
|---|---|
| 40-yd Dash | 4.64 sec |
| Bench Press | 21 reps* |
| Vertical Jump | 33.5 inches |
| Broad Jump | 120 inches |
| 3-Cone Drill | 7.71 sec |
| 20-yd Shuttle | 4.53 sec |
*Combine result
Strengths
- Anticipates the snap and has a quick first step off the ball, immediately giving himself an advantage over opposing offensive tackles.
- Has a consistently high motor, using his impressive speed to beat opponents around the edge and get to the quarterback.
- Possesses both pass-rush skills and the ability to drop back into coverage, making him a fit as a 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker.
- Highly productive player in college, recording a school-record 14.5 sacks in his final season.
Weaknesses
- Low scores in change-of-direction drills may suggest he'll struggle with short-area quickness against NFL-level competition.
- Overly dependent on speed and outside pass-rush moves. Will need a wider arsenal to avoid becoming too predictable.
- His strength suggests he has the ability to set the edge in the running game, but a lack of length often sees him let opposing linemen get their hands inside his chest and lock out.