Shane Ray NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report, Grade for Broncos' 1st-Round Pick

STRENGTHS

Good luck finding a more explosive athlete than Shane Ray. He's a compact, twitchy, fiery defender with top-tier power for a 245-pound frame and rare explosive skills in his first step. He shows good flexibility in his hips and shoulders and uses both well together to slip, slide and go around blockers. Ray plays with a high motor and doesn't give up when locked up by a blocker, showing a strong rip move to get free and restart. He plays with natural leverage and can walk back blockers when engaged. With top-tier change-of-direction speed, he can turn the corner and close on the quarterback in a hurry. Ray is a powerful, violent attacker with a mean tackler mentality. He uses his entire body to affect the blocker and has a toolbox full of head fakes, hand slaps, knifes and stutter-steps. He comes in with good technique and is very well-coached. Ray has the agility and football IQ to play in space early on in his career.

WEAKNESSES

At 6'3" and 245 pounds, Ray lacks the ideal build for a defensive end and may be a scheme-specific pass-rusher in a 3-4 defense. His length and build are average, which will turn away some teams immediately. He has a tendency to stand and chicken-fight with blockers instead of working at other angles or attempting to contain or bat down the pass. He can get bowled over in the run game if teams come at him directly.

2014 STATISTICS

Tackles: 65
Sacks: 13
Tackles for Loss: 22.5

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Cameron Wake, Miami Dolphins

Cameron Wake is one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL, and Ray has that kind of potential. There are few weaknesses to his game, and like Wake, he's able to beat blockers without a huge frame or long arms. Agility, tenacity and blurry speed combine to make him a threat.

FINAL GRADE: 7.20/9.0 (Pro Bowl Potential)