NFL 2015 First-Round Preseason Progress Reports

Denver Broncos. SHANE RAY. C+. <p>Going into this offseason, Shane Ray was one of the most hyped prospects in the 2015 NFL Draft. He led the SEC in sacks and tackles for a loss to win the SEC Defensive player of the year. And to dress the hype up around him, the Missouri Tigers put it out there that he runs a 4.4 40.</p> <p>And he did look like he had plenty of burst around the edge against the offensive lineman of the SEC. He was projected by many to go in the top 10 of the draft until well into the offseason. But then, Vic Beasley lit the combine up with a 4.53 40 and benching 225 32 times to Ray’s disappointing 4.65 and 21 reps.</p> <p>Then Ray topped in off by getting pulled over right before the draft with bud (marijuana) in his car. So he fell all the way to No. 23 overall to the Denver Broncos, who have a good mentor for him in Demarcus Ware. And so far, he’s made some progress, getting in on a sack after a slow start but I can’t give a high grade to a backup playing against twos so C+ is the grade.</p>. OLB