2015 NFL Draft Profile: Shane Ray, DE Missouri

Missouri defensive end Shane Ray is an interesting prospect. He’s got that “it factor” that you like to see from players coming out of college. His determination and tough mindset are quite possibly his greatest assets, but don’t like that undermine his physical talents either.

Shane Ray has dominated on the college level using a basic set of moves and relying much on his speed and agility to get to the quarterback. At the NFL level, he’ll need to add some more pass rush moves to his repertoire, but that’s something that should be easy to coach into a player with the natural talents of Ray.

He wasn’t a full participant in the NFL Combine, but that shouldn’t hurt his draft stock too much at all. An injury to his foot kept Shane Ray sidelined for all of the running/agility drills. However, it shouldn’t be something serious that keeps teams from being concerned about selecting him at the 2015 NFL Draft.

Oct 18, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Shane Ray (56) against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Missouri Tigers defeated the Florida Gators 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Combine Measurables:

Height: 6’3″
Weight: 245 pounds
Arm Length: 33.125″
Hand Size: 9″
Bench Press: 21 reps

Draft Projection

Shane Ray is currently listed as the #10 overall prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft according to CBS Sports and is the #2 defensive end available.

NFL Player Comparison

NFL.Com: Chris Clemons (Jacksonville Jaguars)
CBSSports.com: Bruce Irvin (Seattle Seahawks)

Fit For The Vikings

Minnesota could be looking for a solid defensive end to add into the team’s rotation. Mike Zimmer’s defense needs a strong pass rush to be successful, and Shane Ray could fill that need very well.

My Take

While I’d love to see Shane Ray added to the Vikings stable of pass rushers, I just can’t see using a first round draft pick on a defensive end that wouldn’t be a day one starter for Minnesota. Despite a somewhat down year from Brian Robison in 2014, I fully expect Robison and Griffen to be the starting DEs in 2015 with the team bringing in a mid-level free agent or mid-round draft pick to add to the rotation and provide competition.

Next: Top 10 Biggest Vikings Salaries For 2015

More from The Viking Age

Home/Minnesota Vikings Draft