Pac-12 vs SEC NFL Draft Prospects: Edge Rushers

Sep 27, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Shane Ray (56) gives chase to South Carolina Gamecocks running back Mike Davis (28) during the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Missouri wins in the final minutes 21-20 over South Carolina. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Shane Ray

Shane Ray is 6’3″, 245 pounds with great burst off the edge and the speed to run a running play down from the backside. That “they say” speed he has is equally effective in running down quarterbacks that scramble to avoid getting sacked. “They say” speed is what I call it when a player is indeed fast but his coaches say he runs a crazy 40-time as it’s been reported that Ray runs a 4.4.

Von Miller and Jadeveon Clowney went to the combine expecting to run 4.4s but neither one did so I’ll wait on Ray for now. However, he does play very fast and if you ask me, he depends too much on his speed as I don’t see anything else. I didn’t see hand placement, any type of technique or counter moves when his first move doesn’t work.

He doesn’t seem to have the highest of motors either as he tends to accept it or step back once he’s blocked instead of fighting threw it. When his speed around the edge doesn’t work, he goes inside to pick on guards that have no chance against him. He may be as  athletic as they come but that athleticism will be neutralized if he doesn’t learn how to adapt at the next level.