Shane Ray Selected By Denver Broncos in 2015 NFL Draft

In a wild turn of events, it was a former member of the Missouri Tigers who was involved in perhaps the most interesting move of the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Shane Ray, the reigning SEC defensive player of the year was taken 23rd overall by the Denver Broncos.

The path taken to that selection was certainly a strange one.

In the weeks leading up to the draft, Ray’s likely fate appeared to shift after a foot injury suddenly came to light. The athletic pass rusher was initially a sure first round pick, with many speculating that he was one of the, if no the best pass rusher in the lot.

After the injury was reported, many experts became concerned that his draft stock might drop because of it. The potential need for surgery came into the picture. Then there was Monday. The marijuana citation in the waning hours before the draft.

Where would Ray go? Would he stay put, slide a few spots or drop out of the first round all together?

Leave it to John Elway to come up with the answer.

The Denver Broncos GM made a call as the Detroit Lions went on the clock with their number 23 pick. He dealt a star offensive lineman, his 4th round pick and two 5th rounders all to move up and take Shane Ray. How’s that for drama.

The Missouri Tigers fan base had been waiting on edge to see where their star alumnus would land. Many believed his talent was enough to overcome the recent issues. Teams in the top ten of the selection line up had a desperate need for pass rushers, especially the New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons. But they filled those voids with Leonard Williams and Vic Beasley respectively.

Many began speculating that Ray would fall out of the first round. Some deemed he was too much trouble to mess with. But there were certainly worse character subjects in this year’s draft. Ray’s issues were dramatized a little, that’s for sure.

The Broncos took a flyer on him because they knew that by adding him to a stacked defensive line would make them a fully loaded pass rush group that would help Denver continue to be one of the top defenses in the league.

The last minute trade, by the way, was a big one. Because many thought the Arizona Cardinals were committed to taking Shane Ray at No. 24.

A quick trick up the Denver Bronco’s sleeve, and Shane Ray is headed to the mile high city. Hopefully Ray doesn’t take that city’s nickname too literally.

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