Shane Ray Will Go Where In 2015 NFL Draft?

We’ve entered the month of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Oct 18, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Shane Ray (56) prior to the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Enter former Missouri Tigers defensive end Shane Ray. Many Mizzou fans have been anxious to see where the score of departing players will wind up in the pro ranks. But no one has garnered more attention than Ray, and rightfully so. The all-American reigning SEC defensive player of the year dominated the opposition in 2014. And he has all of the makings of an elite NFL player.

The latest projections have put Shane Ray at any number of different spots depending on who you ask.

The helmet-headed, rambling ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper recently released his mock draft 2.0. That slots Ray at pick No. 3, which is the Jacksonville Jaguars. And that hurts a little as a Mizzou fan. “Here’s a promising NFL career for ya, but you know what, let’s go shove you into the black hole that’s in Jacksonville.”

If that happens, Ray will have to give Blane Gabbert a call and ask for some serious advice. (Although, there is likely none to give).

That being said, the 3rd pick in the draft isn’t too bad of a spot to be in. For one, it’s a money grab for Ray. By locking down a top-5 pick salary, Shane will have a nice little paycheck each pay day. And he will certainly have the spotlight on him. By joining the Jags, he almost immediately becomes one of the three best players on that team. So check one on off to immediate playing time as well.

Still, we are hoping that he can go somewhere else. Honestly, Ray deserves a better fate.

Missouri Tigers

Others have Ray going at other spots scattered around the top ten, and even at 13th to the New Orleans Saints. The most popular choices appear to be No. 7 to the Chicago Bears or No. 9, which is the New York Giants.

Let’s speculate on those two for a moment. I’ll quickly shoot down any notion that the Bears are not drafting for offense in this thing. The Giants are well known for picking up and grooming pass rushers, so this makes sense. But I just don’t think he’ll be there for the taking.

With the NFL Combine just over a week away, we’ll really get an opportunity to see where Ray’s training has gotten him. Once teams start evaluating these performances, it’s safe to say we’ll have a better idea of where he’ll land. Until then, it’s anyone’s guess.

My guess? No. 6. That’s the New York Jets.

How ’bout them big apples?

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Let us know in the comments where you think Ray will wind up.