2015 NFL Draft: Ranking The 5 most surprising selections
By Robby Sabo
4. Shane Ray, No. 23 Overall, Denver Broncos
When speaking about pure talent, Missouri’s Shane Ray fits the bill.
He’s a stud on the edge who could be the most explosive defensive player in the draft. Power, speed and agility – the kid has it all.
This selection also makes sense for the Denver Broncos as they navigate through Peyton Manning’s probable last season. They need to do everything in their power to go for it all, right now.
Hey, it’s mission accomplished from an organizational philosophy standpoint. John Elway traded up five-spots and sacrificed offensive lineman Manny Ramirez and three picks to land this guy.
Why edge rusher though?
Denver already possesses freak athlete Von Miller and veteran DeMarcus Ware on defense. Both of these guys played well in 2014 and figured to be the bookends once again in 2015.
Miller picked up 14 sacks while Ware added 10. The defense finished ninth in the league with a total of 41 a season ago.
Now, with Ray, the Broncos have three guys for two spots.
Instead of trading up to grab a guy that won’t be able to start in a base package, you’d think adding to that offensive line for Manning’s sake, or bolstering the secondary would’ve been the ticket.
Ware is most definitely nearing the end, and adding Ray has completed their pass rush in sub-packages, but more pressing needs were apparent.
Adding onto positional needs is the madness of Ray’s legal troubles. He’ll head into the season in the behavioral portion of Phase 1 of the NFL’s substance abuse program.
Hey, at least his residency is now in the phenomenal state of Colorado. That should allow Elway and all of Broncos’ faithful to breathe easier.
Next: Number 3