NFL Draft 2015: Top 10 Potential Busts
Nov 1, 2014; Columbia, MO, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Stanley Williams (18) is tackled by Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Shane Ray (56) during the second half at Faurot Field. Missouri won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Shane Ray, like Sam, was defensive player of the year in the SEC. But Ray, unlike Sam, had first-round hype behind him. Still, his success depends on the same thing Sam’s did: it’s all about the team that drafts him.
Ray will be a first-round pick, but he is a situational rusher who needs other major linemen to take up the attention of the offensive line. With less focus on him, he is one of the deadliest guys in football, kind of the way certain shooters in the NBA are amazing if they are left open.
But Ray can’t be the anchor to blow up a play. And there is a good chance somebody drafts him to do that.If that does indeed happen in the first round, Ray is a surefire bet to be a bust. He just isn’t built full-time for the NFL like that, but if he is in the right situation, he becomes a star. It is an extreme hit-or-miss.
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Shane Ray
Defensive End, Missouri Tigers
Last year, Missouri Tigers defensive linemen Michael Sam fell to the seventh round and then never made an NFL roster because of the questions surrounding whether he was big enough to play on the line or fast enough to play linebacker.
That is a common theme in Gary Pinkel’s system, which includes fast ends who benefit usually from a stud on the other side.
Shane Ray, like Sam, was defensive player of the year in the SEC. But Ray, unlike Sam, had first-round hype behind him. Still, his success depends on the same thing Sam’s did: it’s all about the team that drafts him.
Ray will be a first-round pick, but he is a situational rusher who needs other major linemen to take up the attention of the offensive line. With less focus on him, he is one of the deadliest guys in football, kind of the way certain shooters in the NBA are amazing if they are left open.
But Ray can’t be the anchor to blow up a play. And there is a good chance somebody drafts him to do that.If that does indeed happen in the first round, Ray is a surefire bet to be a bust. He just isn’t built full-time for the NFL like that, but if he is in the right situation, he becomes a star. It is an extreme hit-or-miss.
Next: #1: Marcus Mariota