FLOWERY BRANCH -- With the NFL draft set for April 30 through May 2, each morning we'll take a look at a player on the Falcons' draft board.
Today we'll look at Missouri outside linebacker Shane Ray, the reigning SEC defensive player of the year. He led the conference in sacks (14.5) and had 22.5 tackles for losses. Ray was a consensus All-American.
Ray has visited the Falcons and the Falcons were in Columbia, Mo. last weekend to checkout one of the top pass rushers in the draft.
Position: Outside linebacker
Height: 6-foot, 3-inches
Weight: 245 pounds
40-yard dash: 4.68 seconds
10-yard split: 1.65 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 2.74 seconds
3-Cone Drill: 7.61 seconds
Broad Jump: 10-feet
5 questions with Shane Ray
Q: What are our your special talents?
A: Personally I feel like I bring everything you need as a defender to the table. I play with a lot of passion and a lot of energy. I'm really physical. I've shown that I can make plays in the open field and that I can drop into coverage.
Q: How versatile are you?
A: Throughout my career, my coaches moved me all around the defense. I've played over three-techniques and beat guards. I've stood up and rushed from the middle. I've dropped into coverage and came back and covered guys coming out of the backfield.
Q: Who’s your favorite NFL pass rusher?
A: I have watched Von Miller. When I think of myself as a football player, I try to compare myself to what he does with his athleticism and versatility. I like how the Broncos use him and move him around. I think I'm that same kind of player.
Q: Can you add weight and play on the line in a 4-3?
A: Honestly, I have a high metabolism, so at school, it was really hard for me to put on good weight, and have a good schedule of eating, but as far as my training goes, my weight has been going up just fine.
Q: Talk about your exceptional first step off the ball?
A: I just kinda key the ball and get a good step. I learned as a defensive lineman that's the best thing you can do. Most of the time, you get a good enough (first step), you're able to beat offensive linemen out of their stance. As I started understanding that was a skill that I have and an advantage I've been blessed with, I just kind of used it more to my advantage, and it worked out for me.
POSITION-BY POSITION SERIES
Wednesday: Top 5 Inside Linebackers
Miami linebacker Denzel Perryman ,
Thursday: Top 5 defensive tackles
(Leonard Williams' Rugby skill will become handy in the NFL)
Friday: Top 5 defensive backs
Alabama's Landon Collins is the top safety prospect
Saturday: Top 5 special teamers
Dorsett, Alford could be top returners
Sunday: Top 5 edge rushers (defensive ends/outside linebackers).
Big Chuck Smith breaks down the top pass-rush prospects
Monday: Top 5 Offensive line
Georgia Tech's Shaquille Mason trying to convert to center for NFL
Tuesday: Top 5 Wide receivers
Georgia's Chris Conley now projects as a fourth-rounder
Wednesday, April 22: Top 5 Running backs
Thursday, April 23: Quarterbacks
Friday, April 24: Tight ends
ICYMI: Here's a link to last year's Position-by-Position series.
ATLANTA FALCONS 2015 DRAFT PICKS
First round: 8th overall selection
Second round: 42nd overall selection
Third round: 73rd overall selection
Fourth round: 107th overall selection
Fifth round: 146th overall selection
Sixth round: 185th overall selection
Seventh round: 225th overall selection
Seventh round: 249th overall selection*
*Pick is from New England through St. Louis
NFL DRAFT CORNER
D. Led's Mock 1.0: Falcons select Todd Gurley with 8th overall pick
Falcons set to work on Vic Beasley in Clemson
Stanford's James Vaughters to participate in Falcons' locals day
FALCONS COMBINE MEETINGS
Oregon DE Arik Armstead talked scheme with the Falcons
Falcons met with Alabama quarterback Blake Sims
Falcons to meet with Florida DE Dante Fowler Jr.
Falcons met with Wake Forest CB Kevin Johnson
Falcons met with Alabama safety Landon Collins
COLLEGE PRO DAY VISITS
SOUTH CAROLINA: Ex-Gamecock Davis leans on brother for NFL help
SOUTH CAROLINA: RB Mike Davis (Stephenson High) has strong showing
GEORGIA: Todd Gurley reflects on his career in Athens
GEORGIA: Quarterack Hutson Mason has solid showing at Pro Day
GEORGIA: Chris Conley performed well in position drills
GEORGIA TECH: Synjyn Days hopes to run to daylight in NFL
GEORGIA TECH: VIDEO -- Head coach Paul Johnson
ALABAMA: Amari Cooper aiming to be top wide receiver in the draft
ALABAMA: VIDEO: Amari Cooper on his draft status
ALABAMA: Lineman Austin Shepherd has met with the Falcons
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