Missouri Tigers Potential Draftees #1: Shane Ray, Pass Rusher

Shane Ray was born to be a pass rusher.

A 3 star recruit coming out of Bishop Miege high school in Kansas City, Kansas, Ray racked up TFL’s and Sacks almost like it was second nature. This may have came easily to him because his father, Wendell Ray who he has a slightly estranged relationship with, was a 5^th round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 1981 as a Defensive End as well as a Letterman at the University Of Missouri.

Before deciding to attend Mizzou, Ray also looked into attending Notre Dame and Oklahoma but in the end decided to stay close to home and follow his father’s legacy.

Shane Ray is Mizzou’s 2014 MVP. Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Ray in his freshman didn’t get many chances to play with the likes of Sheldon Richardson of the New York Jets, Michael Sam and Brad Madison. In his sophomore year his role did increase but he still only had limited snaps because he was behind Michael Sam, Kony Ealy (who now is a Carolina Panther) and he was splitting time with Markus Golden.

It was only in 2014, Ray’s junior season with the Missouri Tigers when he really broke out. Ray was all but immaculate this past season where he not only was 1^st team All-SEC and a unanimous All-American, but in addition he won SEC defensive player of the year. He finished the season with 13 sacks, 5 QB hurries, 65 tackles, 22.5 TFL and 3 forced fumbles.

At the NFL combine Ray measured at 6’3 and weighed in at 245 lbs. He was unable to participate in most drills however because of injury.

POSITIVES:

Has an extremely high motor
Plays aggressive
Incredible first step
Never ending pursuit of ball carrier
Has violent hands
Well balanced
Was able to drop into space when asked
Is deceptively strong, especially in bull rush
Has a solid arsenal of moves
Advanced understanding of how and when to use moves
Amazing reaction time
NFL Bloodline

NEEGATIVES:

Lacks size/bulk
Will struggle to come of blocks once engaged
Can be over-aggressive
Can be pushed around by bigger and stronger tackles.
Is a slight liability in run game
Unknown if he can stand up as an OLB when playing in a 3-4

Conclusion:

Shane Ray is an exceptional talent. He is one of the best pass rushers in the best pass rusher draft in recent memory. The only possible problem for him will be because he is a bit of a, “tweener”. His body type seems to be better for a 3-4 OLB but he has only ever played in a 4-3 as a DE. He either will need to add some pretty significant weight to his frame or learn how to stand up and drop into coverage. Either way, Ray has a ton of talent and has the potential to be a true impact player.

Draft Expectation: Top 15.

UPDATE: Shane Ray has a, “turf toe-like” injury and at least one orthopedic surgeon has suggested the toe may need surgery. However, when getting a second opinion from a foot specialist in Kansas City this past Thursday, it was recommended that he not get surgery. Different teams have different opinions over the injury that was sustained in Mizzou’s Citrus Bowl win this past season. It has yet to be seen if this injury will drastically change his draft stock but it obviously won’t help it.

UPDATE: Ray’s draft stock may fall more due to a marijuana citation on Monday. The jury is still out whether this will affect his order selected.

New Draft Expectation: Still 1st Round.

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