The Broncos traded up in the first round of last year’s NFL draft to select pass rusher Shane Ray, but as a rookie Ray didn’t do a lot: Ray played in just 31 percent of the Broncos’ defensive snaps and had just four sacks.
That’s in part because he was playing behind two of the NFL’s best pass rushers on the great Broncos defense, Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware. But Ray says that he has improved this offseason and now believes he can play just as well as Miller and Ware can.
“I can be a consistent playmaker,” Ray said, via the Denver Post. “That’s why I was drafted. That’s what I’m capable of doing. I don’t think there will be any drop-off between Von’s and DeMarcus’ production when I’m in. That’s how I have to carry myself.”
Ware is currently sitting out with a back injury, and Ray says he’s ready to pick up the slack.
“I’m ready. I think they know that,” Ray said. “I love DeMarcus, and he’s a great coach to all of us, a great mentor. I’m still asking him every day how I can get better as a player. I’m looking forward to the season and my role expanding — and just taking it and running with it.”
If Ray is as good as he thinks he is, that’s a scary thought for opposing quarterbacks.