Shane Ray, outside linebacker, Denver Broncos
The 2017 season is a pivotal one for Ray. He’ll be playing out the third year of his rookie deal and is finally getting a chance to start opposite Von Miller now that DeMarcus Ware is out of the picture.
In his first two seasons, Ray flashed some impressive abilities. He started eight games last year when Ware went down with an injury and acquitted himself well. Appearing in all 16 games, he tallied 48 tackles, eight sacks and one forced fumble.
Ray has some seriously high hopes for himself, aiming to rack up one sack per game. If he does that, then the Broncos are going to be in a tough spot, because Ray might choose to hold out for a new deal heading into the 2018 season, even if Denver opts into his fifth-year option. Top pass rushers are worth nearly as much as quarterbacks these days, and Ray will be looking at under $3 million for the 2018 season without a new contract.
However, if Ray peters out and isn’t able to consistently produce as a starter, then the Broncos will have to look for someone else who can heading into 2018.