Shane Ray Feels He Will Be Defensive Rookie of the Year

May 27, 2015; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Shane Ray (56) speaks to the media following organized team activities at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

In the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft the Denver Broncos tried to find the answer to their AFC West rivals recently drafted franchise pass rusher when they selected Shane Ray, a player they hope can compete with Khalil Mack for the next decade for the crown of the division’s most threatening edge defender. John Elway taking a risk on Ray despite his marijuana arrest (he was given a citation for possession) when he took the dangerous Mizzou pass rusher late in the first round.

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That slip in draft position and the embarrassment of making national headlines for his gaffe in judgement hasn’t rattled the confidence of the now Broncos rookie, who has his sights set on one upping Khalil Mack in his debut season in the AFC West. Trying to surpass the standard set by the Raiders linebacker during a rookie season in which Mack broke the record for best rookie PFF grade of all time during the 2014 season.

To do that Ray knows he is going to have to bring home some award hardware, and the Bronco isn’t shying away from claiming that he feels he can be the best defensive rookie in the league this season. Already claiming that the Defensive Rookie of the Year award is in his sights as 2015 Training Camp nears across the league with June almost finally over with.

Naturally Ray’s bold comments have made national news, with Denver fans reacting positively to their rookie’s swagger and Oakland fans reacting how you would expect to the 23rd overall pick getting a bit too ahead of himself before even stepping onto an NFL field.

We here at Just Blog Baby think Ray is an intriguing prospect who fell down the draft, but when it comes to Defensive Rookie of the Year we think that the Donkeys pass rusher only has one media outlet he can count on to give him such honors at the end of the 2015 season.