Shane Ray’s Pain May Extend to Draft Stock

According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, edge rusher prospect Shane Ray is dealing with a foot injury similar to turf toe. But Dr. Aakash Shah, an orthopedic surgeon in Kansas City, recommended rest over surgery on Thursday. This is horrible timing as we are a week away from kicking off the 2015 NFL Draft.

There have been rumblings from other doctors that Ray needs surgery and that would keep him out five months. Then there are other doctors that agree with Dr. Shah’s opinion, believing Ray just needs rest. And if their side is correct, he would likely be ready to participate in post-draft OTAs.

Coming in, Ray was viewed as a top-10 pick but with the uncertainty surrounding his injury, he is a lock no more. The injury happened in Mizzou’s Citrus Bowl win over Minnesota on Jan. 1, and it kept him from participating in drills at the NFL Scouting combine. Ray participated in Mizzou’s pro day March 19, but his numbers were nothing like he had advertised them to be.

Ray’s injury really hurts because this is a deep, talented group of edge rushers coming in. And there are only so many of teams picking in the top 10 that may want an edge rusher like the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 3, the Washington Redskins at No. 5, the New York Jets at No. 6, the Chicago Bears at No. 7 and the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8.

This could be a lot of money lost for Ray!