Chicago Bears 2015 Draft: Top Linebacker Options

Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Shane Ray, (6-foot-3, 245 pounds), OLB, Missouri

Shane Ray was a defensive end at Missouri, but at the higher level, he is too small to be a hands down defensive end. What he is, though, is one freakish athlete.

Ray bench presses 400 pounds, has a 40-inch vertical and claims he was clocked at 4:44 in the 40-yard dash. We will find out about that 40-time and other numbers at the Combine. What we do have now is a hell of a lot of good game film.

Ray has an explosive first step and speed to blow past tackles. He also has a quick jab-step back to the inside and has a good swim move. He has great body control, which allows him to change direction well.

Ray sometimes depends on his athleticism too much. He needs to increase his hand strength. He has trouble disengaging from blockers when they get to him. He also needs to curtail his aggressiveness, which got him in trouble (he was ejected from the SEC championship game for launching himself into the quarterback). He also needs to improve his run-game awareness.

Ray will definitely impress in the Combine workouts. His athleticism will make it difficult for the Bears to pass up if he is available at number seven. It will be an important, difficult first choice in general manager Ryan Pace’s career with the Bears.

Next: Markus Golden