Missouri Tigers: Mizzou at the NFL Combine

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. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Missouri had another successful season in 2014, finishing with an 11-3 record and a second straight SEC championship appearance. Arguably the biggest reason they made it that far was because of their tremendous defensive play, led by SEC Defensive Player of the Year Shane Ray.

Ray’s best trait by far his ability to rush the passer. Ray led the SEC with 14.5 sacks last season, and recorded 22.5 tackles for a loss. Together with Markus Golden, they formed one of the top pass rushing duos in the nation, and were dubbed “GoldenRay”.

After his a stellar junior season, Shane Ray decided to enter the NFL draft.

At only 6’3″ and 245 pounds, the only downside for Ray is his size. However, the decision by most NFL teams would be  to make him a 4-3 defensive end, or possibly even a 3-4 outside linebacker.

If Ray can prove at the combine that he has the speed to effectively play outside linebacker, there’s no team in the NFL that wouldn’t be happy with this Tiger talent.

Here’s some excerpts from his scouting report at ESPN.com.

"(On his Pass Rush Skills) Explodes off the line. Elite first step. Flashes some ability to shave edge but needs more consistency   (On his Instincts/Motors) Sniffs out screen and chases like a wild dog. Relentless motor."

Projected Draft Position: Top 10 Pick

Next: A Former Tiger Wideout Makes His Mark