As part of our coverage leading up to the 2015 NFL Draft we will provide profiles of 200 prospects, including what the scouts around the league are saying and video interviews with each player.
Shane Ray (DE), Missouri
6’3” | 245 lbs.
2014 stats:
65 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, three forced fumbles
Selection:
1st round, No. 23 overall (Denver Broncos)
NFL
What scouts are saying:
"Extraordinary athlete who claims to have been clocked at 4.44 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He has a 40-plus-inch vertical, 10-foot broad jump and bench presses over 400 pounds. Launches himself off the line with an explosive first step to beat tackles and can fly by and around them, showing the flexibility and balance to scrape the corner and close. Complements speed rush with a quick jab-step back to the inside and a swim over the top to counter if blockers lean outside. Locates the ball quickly and changes direction fluidly to pursue. Exceptional reaction quickness. Decisively makes plays with an outstanding motor. Shows good effort in run pursuit. Good bloodlines. His father, Wendell Ray, played at Missouri and was a fifth-round pick of the Vikings in 1981." — Dane Brugler and Rob Rang, CBSSports.com
"Overly reliant on athleticism to wreak havoc. Still developing array of pass-rush moves. Could improve his functional strength and awareness of cut blocks. Work in progress when it comes to run-game awareness. Average power in his hands. Struggles to disengage from blockers. Too aggressive, as evidenced by his ejection in the SEC Championship for launching himself into the quarterback." — Dane Brugler and Rob Rang, CBSSports.com
"It's hard to find many play weaknesses for Ray, but his lack of overall length is one area that some teams have concerns about. He pursues the quarterback and the ball like it's his last snap. An alpha male packaged in an explosive frame, Ray has the traits and skills to be a dominant pass rusher and potential Pro Bowler. He also has the athleticism and strength to play in any defensive front." — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Video analysis provided by NBC Sports and Rotoworld NFL Draft expert Josh Norris.