The Denver Broncos selected Missouri defensive end Shane Ray with the 23rd pick in the 2015 NFL draft after moving up five spots via a substantial trade with the Detroit Lions.
Denver also sent its 2015 fifth-round pick, a 2016 fifth-rounder and offensive lineman Manny Ramirez to Detroit, who later drafted another guard in Duke’s Laken Tomlinson at Denver’s original selection (No. 28).
While that was a pretty rich price to pay, the Broncos landed one of the better pass-rushers in this year’s draft. During Ray’s three seasons at Missouri, he racked up an impressive 82 solo tackles and 19 sacks, earning him the 2014 SEC Defensive Player of the Year award. He should be a tremendous asset to the Broncos’ D-line.
Many thought Ray, who is dealing with a foot injury and a recent marijuana bust, would fall to the second round. Denver voided those speculations and apparently has no issue with any of Ray’s baggage.
Shane Ray: caught with marijuana, drafted by the team from Denver. Oh yeah, it's legal over there. #PerfectFit
— SportsBlogNewYork (@SportBlogNYC) May 1, 2015
Photo: USA Today Sports