Mizzou Links: With Shane Ray to the Broncos, that's 7 first-rounders in 7 years

Not bad.

By Bill Connelly@SBN_BillC May 1, 2015, 5:15am CDT

What's On

Gee, I wonder.

MUTIGERS.COM: Mizzou's Shane Ray Drafted 23rd Overall by Denver
The Trib: Broncos take Shane Ray with 23rd pick of NFL Draft
Post-Dispatch: Broncos trade up, snatch Mizzou's Ray
The Missourian: Denver Broncos make former Missouri star Shane Ray first round pick
PowerMizzou: Path to the Draft: Shane Ray

"I played with his dad. Dad's a little taller. Shane is a great competitor. He's been working out with a personal trainer basically since their season's been over with, a couple months now. Guy's been pushing him and I think he really has a great desire in his heart to be competitive and a dominating player at this level." -- Andy Hill, 2/2/2011

And from the other side...
Denver Post: Denver Broncos get pot of gold in Shane Ray

In a league ruled by quarterbacks, the best way for a defense to survive is to knock the quarterback on his rump. And Ray can certainly do that. He also plays the same position as veteran DeMarcus Ware, who will turn 33 years old in July and began to show his age as the rigors of a long NFL season began to weigh heavy on his shoulders in 2014.

But, above all else, a team that has enjoyed the consistent success built by Elway as a Broncos executive is rewarded with the luxury of taking a chance on a big talent with big upside with a selection late in the first round.

"We had him 10. He was 10th on our board," Elway said.

Mile High Report: 2015 NFL Draft results: Broncos trade up, draft Shane Ray
Mile High Report: John Elway explains why the Broncos traded up to draft Shane Ray

"When it gets close. When it gets close to Detroit. I mean obviously we're talking to a lot of different people. But finally, when it got to Detroit and their guy was not there, and so we had the opportunity at that point in time. So we jumped at it.

Mile High Report: Denver Broncos players, coaches react to Shane Ray pick on Twitter

The #MizzouMade tradition continues with @X_RAYted56 being selected in the 1st round of the @NFLDraft by the @Broncos pic.twitter.com/BRApU6siz0
— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) May 1, 2015

Shane Ray, who is pretty much the only interesting interview of the night: "Each team that passed on me is circled." #circled
— Evan Woodbery (@TheSaintsBeat) May 1, 2015