May 27, 2015; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Shane Ray (56) speaks to the media following organized team activities at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Is Denver Broncos’ outside linebacker Shayne Ray Delusional?
I’ve heard of confidence, arrogance and cockiness but Ray seems to have reached a level of distorted reality. It started in college when he told the nation he ran a 4.4 40 but reality was 4.68 at his pro day. Then he thought it was okay to have bud (marijuana) on him right before the draft and was cited for it.
The latest is when he told Around The NFL from the Rookie Symposium, “I don’t see anything less than Defensive Rookie of the Year. I mean that’s my goal. A lot of people might say that sounds cocky for you to say it right now, but I’ve always set high goals for myself, just like I did in college and that is something that I’m looking to prove, that I’m the best defensive rookie here.”
I believe the Defensive Rookie of the Year is going to be a starter from day one and I don’t see that for Ray. He’s going to be behind two of the best outside linebackers in the NFL in Von Miller and Demarcus Ware. Ray has been impressive in the Broncos’ offseason program as he is now healthy after dealing with a nagging toe injury.
But I didn’t see the type of technique and and pass-rushing moves from him last year to say he could beat out Ware. And Ware proved he still had it last year with 10 sacks and being tough against the run in 2014. So Ray needs to just learn from Miller and Ware, staying ready in case there’s an injury to one of them.
Or maybe he should set the goal of starting before talking Defensive Rookie of the Year.