Thread: Shane Ray happy with increased opportunities with Broncos

Rookies are expected to struggle in the NFL as they adjust to the pro game. Well, linebacker Shane Ray didn't quite get that luxury. With a defense as talented as the Broncos, if you don't play well, you don't play.

When he walks on the field on Sunday, he doesn't consider himself a rookie.

"That tag is taken away when you're thrown in the fire and your teammates expect a lot of you," Ray said. "I can't make an excuse if I mess up and say, "Oh well, it's because I'm a rookie.' "

Sacks in back-to-back games indicated how well Ray is learning.

rest - http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci...nities-broncos

Excellent draft choice. Ware won't be around forever and having Ray helps us not miss a beat. Also adds in great rotation when needed.

Would love to see Miller, Ray and Ware all in at the same time alot more.

#unstoppable

Perfect fit for this system. Will replace Ware eventually.

Shawn merriman without the steroids.

I think it's possible for him to have between 8 and 10 sacks this year barring anything unforeseeable.

You know what's cool is Miller and Ware can both be off the field at the same freaking time and we still have a fierce pass rush with Barrett and Ray.

Originally Posted by TXBRONC

You know what's cool is Miller and Ware can't both be off the field at the same freaking time and we still have a fierce pass rush with Barrett and Ray.

I think you meant can but yeah our backups are still among the leagues best. Even our middle linebackers are good too. Remember Elway talking about trading 1 or 2? I fully believe we could trade one before the deadline if not then this coming offseason we could. I think teams that need help are looking at our defense roster.

Originally Posted by DenBronx

I think you meant can but yeah our backups are still among the leagues best. Even our middle linebackers are good too. Remember Elway talking about trading 1 or 2? I fully believe we could trade one before the deadline if not then this coming offseason we could. I think teams that need help are looking at our defense roster.

Thanks for catching that for me Den.

I don't remember Elway saying that. I'm not saying he didn't say it I'm just drawing a complete blank.

Ray's done well, but I still wish our first pick had been an NFL-ready starting OT like I wanted, not an elite BACKUP LB. First round picks are for immediate starters, not someone to spell All Pros in the hopes they might BECOME an All Pro—in 2-3 years. If we do a trade, I hope it's for a player (about the only way to get any value trading players of ones own.) I doubt Houston would let Kubiak have Duane Brown back in exchange for Barrett and Latimer though.

Originally Posted by TXBRONC

Thanks for catching that for me Den.

I don't remember Elway saying that. I'm not saying he didn't say it I'm just drawing a complete blank.

Apparently he said it on an episode of Hard knocks or something. I took major shit for it because I too did not watch the episode and was commenting on Elways comments, that apparently the whole world knew about.

Originally Posted by underrated29

Apparently he said it on an episode of Hard knocks or something. I took major shit for it because I too did not watch the episode and was commenting on Elways comments, that apparently the whole world knew about.

I would having a hard time seeing Elway trading away his top pick in this draft. Denver would still have plenty of depth if Elway traded Barrett and other player but who can he get at this late date without getting fleeced?

Originally Posted by TXBRONC

I would having a hard time seeing Elway trading away his top pick in this draft.

I think speculation was Trevathan might have been on the block. But Elway might have just been saying that because he wanted the pick not a player in return.

Originally Posted by tomjonesrocks

I think speculation was Trevathan might have been on the block. But Elway might have just been saying that because he wanted the pick not a player in return.

Ok. From how this conversation was I thought people were meaning Ray or Barrett. Like I said it didn't seem likely that he would trade away Ray. Trevathan or Barrett would make sense because both of those guy could start for most teams.

I don't think Elway suggested he wanted to trade a lb. The other GM (probably Rick Smith) was likely telling Elway on the other end of the phone they had depth at LB, and Elway replied we had good depth at LB too.

I never took it to mean Elway was shopping one of our backers.

Originally Posted by Joel

Ray's done well, but I still wish our first pick had been an NFL-ready starting OT like I wanted, not an elite BACKUP LB. First round picks are for immediate starters, not someone to spell All Pros in the hopes they might BECOME an All Pro—in 2-3 years. If we do a trade, I hope it's for a player (about the only way to get any value trading players of ones own.) I doubt Houston would let Kubiak have Duane Brown back in exchange for Barrett and Latimer though.

The Ray pick looks like a good one by John. What about trading Clark for a 7th rounder? He was an NFL ready starting OT compared to any tackle on the roster at this point.