The Baltimore Ravens hold the No. 26 pick in the 2015 NFL draft. Over the next two weeks, the Ravens blog will take a quick look at 10 prospects who might be available and be a fit for Baltimore at that spot. We start with a pass-rusher who (the Ravens hope) will make an unexpected free fall in the first round.
Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri
Chances he's available at No. 26: Not great. Mel Kiper and Todd McShay both have Ray going in the top 10. He is considered the 15th-best prospect in this draft by Scouts, Inc. The Ravens brought in Ray for a pre-draft visit because there's a slim chance that he'll fall. Some analysts view the SEC's Defensive Player of the Year as a tweener (not a defensive end in 4-3 defenses and not an outside linebacker in 3-4 ones), and Ray didn't measure up to other pass-rushers expected to go in the first round on his pro day. The Ravens remember how Terrell Suggs dropped to them at No. 10 in 2003 after a disappointing pro day. More than likely, the Ravens would have to trade up to get Ray if he starts to slide.
Why he'd be a good pick for the Ravens: Simply put, Ray plays like a Raven. Team officials gushed over Ray's motor during the recent pre-draft luncheon. He has an explosive first step as a pass-rusher and is a strong effort player against the run. Ray is competitive and smart while playing with a violent style. The Ravens covet an elite pass-rusher like Ray because he would immediately fill Pernell McPhee's role as a situational pass-rusher and become the future replacement for either Terrell Suggs or Elvis Dumervil, both of whom are over 30.
Why he wouldn't: There are questions whether Ray can make the transition from a college defensive end. One scout told The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that there's no chance that Ray can play outside linebacker. Critics say Ray will struggle if asked to play in space because he is stiff when moving laterally.
Stat to note: Ray's 14.5 sacks in 2014 were a school single-season record and ranked third nationally.
Extra point: For a more in-depth look at Ray, ESPN's Elizabeth Merrill chronicled his hurdles that came from living in a ZIP code known as Kansas City's murder factory.