NFL Draft 2015 grades: Denver Broncos select Shane Ray

With the 23rd-overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos selected Missouri Tigers outside linebacker Shane Ray. Ray was projected by many to be a top-10 pick in this year’s draft before dealing with foot injuries throughout the pre-draft process and then getting pulled over and charged for marijuana possession this week.

Grade: B

The Broncos get a very solid player who is a terrific value pick. Assuming Ray can stay out of trouble away from the field, he is going to be a force coming off the edge. However, Ray will likely be planted on the bench throughout his first season, sitting behind DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller. Ware could be a cap casualty in 2016, though, opening a spot for Ray.

The only reason this isn’t an A grade is because of Peyton Manning. This is a team that likely has one year left with Manning before he retires, and Ray will only be a role player. The Broncos could have gotten somebody with an immediate impact either on the offensive or defensive line, but failed to make that decision.

Denver is going into a long-haul mindset, something that you have to admire general manager John Elway for. However, Manning is likely not sitting at home with a large grin on his face, but more of a puzzled look.