NFL: 15 Rookies who are future Pro Bowlers

Shane Ray, OLB, Denver Broncos

While the first season or so of new Denver Broncos outside linebacker Shane Ray’s career might not scream ‘Pro Bowl’ – what with Demarcus Ware and Von Miller in the house – it won’t be too long before Ware is finished and Ray can step right in.

Of course, it could all happen sooner as the selection of Ray can certainly be seen as a reminder to both players that they have to continue functioning at a high level. At age 32, Ware still has some miles to go before he taps out, but he also costs the second most of any player over 30 years of age (the first being Peyton Manning of course). He makes $8.6 million this year and $11.6 next year, including a $3 million roster bonus. Depending on whether Manning is around in 2016 or not, the team could be retooling at which point they might say goodbye to a high-priced, aging defender.

Miller could be gone sooner though, as he is in the final year of his contract. He’s going to want (and warrant) more than his four-year, $21 million contract and the Broncos will have to decide if he is worth it.

So Ray could end up getting a lot of opportunity to play and be in a position to make plays as the team tries to figure out who to keep and who not to. These two guys were the bulk of the sack production last season and the Broncos need to know where the sacks come from without them.

The upside to Ray is that he might also have a big year with both Miller and Ware around if the team rotates him in. Attention will be paid to both of those guys before anyone watches Ray, which could leave him free to run wild.

Still, it’s more likely he gets a Pro Bowl invite in a season or two instead of his rookie year. The defensive front just needs to clear up a little.

Next: Landon Collins, SS, New York Giants