Eagles Scout: Shane Ray Scouting Report

‘Eagles Scout’ is a series of articles with scouting notes on 2015 draft prospects. The first piece is a Shane Ray scouting report.

Shane Ray is one of the most highly heralded prospects in the 2015 NFL Draft. Together with Randy Gregory from University of Nebraska, they are considered the best edge rushers of the class. Both are projected to be picked in the first 10 picks.

Measurements / College

Ray is listed at 6′ 3″, 245 lbs. He was a 4-3 defensive end for the Missouri Tigers, but he will probably have to switch to 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL. He spent the 2013 season as Kony Ealy‘s and Michael Sam‘s backup, but still managed to get 4.5 sacks.

In 2014, Ray posted 14 sacks – three more than any other SEC player. He showed great speed off the edge and could run past most left tackles like a Lamborghini runs past a low-end family sedan.

However, this was not always the case.

Tape

For Ray, the 2014 season was a tale of two halves. He was a lot more efficient in the first seven games, where he notched 10 of his 14 total sacks. From late October to the end of bowl season, Ray’s numbers are not so impressive.

I watched four games of the Tigers (vs UFC, @ South Carolina, @ Florida, vs Kentucky), thanks to the guys at draftbreakdown.com. In all four, Ray got two sacks. What I saw from Ray, however, was not really impressive.

Pros

Like it was stated earlier, Ray showed great speed off the edge. There were plays where the left tackle didn’t even touch him and Ray either got the quarterback or the quarterback had to throw in a hurry.

I liked Ray’s hand moves to get off the block, even though he was not always succesful. He showed energy and tenacity and tried to knock the arms of the blocker. Against South Carolina, he exposed both sides of the offensive line and was able to bring pressure both from the edge and the inside. He lined up opposite of the right guard many times.

Cons

Ray can leave the left tackle in his dust, but he also gets blocked very easily. He is late off the snap more often than not, nullifying the advantage his explosiveness gives him. In those plays where Ray was slow to get off, he never managed to put pressure on the quarterback.

His reportoire of pass rushing moves is also basic. He has a number of good moves, like speed rush, chop, rip, but he is not strong enough to bull rush effectively, his spin move is relatively slow and he needs to show more and better “swat and swim”.

Additionally, Ray will probably need to add muscle to his frame (mainly the upper part) to be able to compete against strong and experienced tackles.

Ray is almost a non factor against the run. He plays too tall and gets easily taken out of the play with just one blocker. I also got the impression that Ray quits too easily when he thinks the play is not heading his way.

I only saw one play where Ray had to drop in coverage. He didn’t look comfortable, which is expected from a 4-3 defensive end, but this is something Ray will need to improve if he lands on a 3-4 team in the NFL.

Finally, Ray appeared to be losing his explosiveness as the season progressed. Maybe it was due to injury or fatigue. He will definitely need to be more consistent with his performance.

Projection

Ι believe Ray will be a solid NFL player. He will likely require a couple of years before becoming a dependable starter, but he has the tools to make it.

That said, I don’t see why many writers (and scouts?) list Ray as a Top-10 draft prospect. In a 4-3 defense, he is undersized to play defensive end, he must improve against the run and become a better pass rusher. In a 3-4 defense, he looks like a nice fit at outside linebacker, but he will have to learn to rush from a two-point stance and how to play well in coverage.

As an Eagle

Since I am an Eagles fan, there’s no better way to finish my Shane Ray scouting report than looking at the scenario that wants him being picked by the Birds.

If Ray falls to no.20 (which wouldn’t be a surprise based on what I’ve seen in his tape), the Philadelphia Eagles could land an edge rusher who is a safer choice than Marcus Smith II was a year earlier.

Trent Cole is aging and might not be with the team next season. Brandon Graham has the option to leave Philadelphia in free agency. And Marcus Smith II is still a work in progress.

The Eagles need consistent pass rush from the outside linebacker position and Ray is good at rushing the passer. But he is not consistent and he has no experience in a 3-4 scheme. Even though he is more talented than Smith II, Ray is not a sure-fire selection.

VERDICT: PASS

Next: Eagles Draft Profile: Oregon State CB Steven Nelson

More from Inside the Iggles

Home/Eagles Draft