OLB Shane Ray, Missouri
Age: 21
Height: 6-3
Weight: 245
College Career: After playing behind Kony Ealy and Michael Sam, Ray finally got his chance to shine in 2014 and he took full advantage of it. Ray led the SEC in sacks (14.5) and TFLs (22.5) while also forcing three fumbles. The SEC Defensive Player of the Year played his way straight into the first round of the NFL Draft and made the wise decision to go pro after his junior year.
Strengths: Has the most advanced pass rush moves of any prospect in the draft. Wins with quick hands and gets off blocks quickly. Good get-off. High motor that never stops. Gets into the backfield on every play. Great instincts that allow him to find his way through traffic.
Weaknesses: Small for a 4-3 defensive end. While quick, he’s not fast. Coverage ability is an unknown and a concern. Length isn’t ideal for the position and could get stronger. Needs to improve setting the edge. Lingering foot injury is a major concern for 2015 season.
Bears Outlook: Despite being a bit of a tweener, I believe Ray has the ability to succeed in either a 4-3 or a 3-4. That said, a team running a hybrid system will get the most out of the pass rusher. Ray is an intriguing player for Vic Fangio’s scheme because he can move around and get reps both standing up and with his hand on the ground. At Missouri, he even had success as a 3-technique, which speaks to his ability despite his size.
Unfortunately, Ray’s lingering foot injury makes him a wild card on draft day. The latest reports say he won’t need surgery, but the fact it is still bothering him (he suffered it in Missouri’s bowl game) is a big concern. At a minimum, he’ll likely lose valuable offseason reps in rookie minicamp and OTAs that will impact his 2015 season. As a result, I’ve dropped Ray behind Clemson’s Vic Beasley on my list of edge rushers (Ray and Beasley were previously a very close 1-2). I still believe Ray will be a good NFL player, but if I’m making a decision between two players I believe are worth the No. 7 overall pick, I’m going to take the healthier player.
More: Hoge’s Entire Bears Big Board
Adam Hoge covers the Chicago Bears for WGN Radio and WGNRadio.com. He also co-hosts The Beat, weekends on 720 WGN. Follow him on Twitter at @AdamHoge.
