Scouting Profile: Missouri DE Shane Ray
Get an in-depth look at the top prospects in this year's draft class leading up to the NFL draft, which takes place from April 30 to May 2 in Chicago.
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Shane Ray
Position: DE
School: Missouri
College Experience: RS Junior
Height: 6-3
Weight: 245 lbs.
Age: 21
Pro Day Results
| Event | Result |
|---|---|
| 40-yd Dash | 4.64 sec |
| Bench Press | N/A |
| Vertical Jump | 33.5 inches |
| Broad Jump | 10 feet |
| 3-Cone Drill | 7.71 sec |
| 20-yd Shuttle | 4.53 sec |
* 40-yard dash time is unofficial, not electronically timed.
Strengths
- Anticipates the snap and has a quick first step off the ball, immediately giving himself an advantage over opposing offensive tackles.
- Has a consistently high motor, using his impressive speed to beat opponents around the edge and get to the quarterback.
- Possesses both the pass-rush skills and ability to drop back into coverage, making him a fit as a 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker.
- Highly productive player in college, recording a school-record 14.5 sacks in his final season.
Weaknesses
- Low scores in change-of-direction drills may suggest he'll struggle with short-area quickness against NFL-level competition.
- Overly dependent on speed and outside pass-rush moves. Will need a wider arsenal to avoid becoming too predictable.
- Strength would suggest he has the ability to set the edge in the running game, but a lack of length often sees him let the opposing linemen get their hands inside his chest and lock out.
NFL player comparison: Dee Ford
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dee Ford has yet to make an impact in the NFL after being a first-round pick in 2014, but that's not to say he never will.
Like Ford, Ray's incredible quickness off the snap gives him the potential to be a disruptive edge rusher despite questions about his length and change-of-direction skills translating to the next level.
Ideal Fit: New Orleans Saints
With Ray seemingly locked in as a first-round pick, but likely not coming off the board among the top two or three players at his position, a fit with the Saints makes plenty of sense at No. 13 overall.
Ray would play weak-side rush linebacker in New Orleans' 3-4 front, giving the defense some much-needed edge talent to pair with Junior Gallette. Though he played defensive end at Missouri - and has the ability to drop into coverage - the Saints would ensure he's used as a pass rusher more often than not.
Draft Projection: 1st round (Top 25)