Shane Ray to Denver Broncos: Full Draft-Pick Breakdown

The Denver Broncos made one of the biggest splashes of the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday night, trading up five spots from No. 28 to No. 23 to select Missouri defensive end Shane Ray.

Ray's name is one you've likely heard mentioned numerous times this week, but mostly for the wrong reasons. Despite being cited for marijuana possession, John Elway and his staff felt the talent level was too good not to take a chance.

In the process, the Broncos gave up their own first-round pick (No. 28), one of their fifth-round picks (No. 143) and a fifth-round pick next season. The Lions also received Denver offensive lineman Manny Ramirez, who actually began his career in Detroit.

In addition to the citation he received this week, Ray also has a foot injury that could require surgery. The Broncos must have really liked what they saw in Ray to be willing to deal with those potential issues.

As Elway tweeted out directly following the pick, they clearly did.

"

Excited to add LB Shane Ray, a player we had in our top 10. I also want to thank Manny Ramirez, who was tremendous on & off field for us.

— John Elway (@johnelway) May 1, 2015"

So how will Ray fit in with the Broncos?

With Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware already in the fold, the Broncos could be one of the top pass-rushing teams in the NFL next season. In fact, Ray has patterned his game after Miller. His 14.5 sacks last year at Missouri speak to that. 

In Denver, he'll be able to work very closely with Miller to become an even more dangerous pass-rushing specialist. Wade Phillips likes to rush as many guys as he can, and that will free up Ray for several one-on-one situations. Ray will get the best of that more times than not.

On the field, Ray is one of the best athletes in this draft. He possesses an impressive combination of strength and speed, and his ability to get to the quarterback is scary. If he can improve his ability to stop the run, Denver has found a steal.

He will likely begin his career as a situational player who the Broncos bring in on obvious passing downs. Ray couldn't be going to a better defensive coordinator than Phillips, who will be able to devise packages with all of the options he has at his disposal that will make the Broncos defense very tough to deal with.

Ray will have to prove himself early, mainly due to his off-field issues. You'll likely hear thousands of jokes referring to Ray coming to the state where marijuana is legalized, if you haven't already.

But all of that aside, the Broncos have taken the biggest chance to this point in the draft, and they could be handsomely rewarded for being daring enough to do it.