NFL Mock Draft 2015: Shane Ray to Atlanta Falcons?

Who did the Atlanta Falcons select in the FanSided NFL editors mock draft? How does Shane Ray sound?

Over at With the First Pick, a FanSided editor from each team stepped up on the clock and took the player they thought would be the best fit for their team.

With the way the board fell, Shane Ray seemed the best fit for the team. Another tempting option would have been Alvin Dupree, but I went for Ray in this case, and here’s why:

With Vic Beasley and Dante Fowler off the board, the Atlanta Falcons turn to Shane Ray with the eighth overall pick. The Falcons are in desperate need of a pass rusher, after ranking dead last in total defense and pass defense last year. Randy Gregory would be another candidate at this spot, but after he admitted to testing positive for marijuana at the NFL Scouting Combine, Thomas Dimitroff could be put off taking the Nebraska edge rusher. The 6’3”, 245-pound Ray is an explosive player and is a great athlete. He has the talent to find the quarterback, and that is exactly what Atlanta needs. It’s possible we could see the Falcons trade up and take Beasley or Fowler, but if they stick at No. 8, Ray would be a great fit.. DE. Missouri. Shane Ray. 8. player. 44

Vic Beasley, Dante Fowler and Leonard Williams were already off the board. If I could have traded up for either Beasley or Fowler, believe me I would.

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In this case, Ray was a good fit.

Of course, there are a couple of concerns with Ray being a top-10 selection. First off, there were concerns with a toe injury that could have required surgery. Thankfully for Ray, he was cleared without needing surgery, but the injury must still be a concern for teams.

But now, reports are swirling that Ray was caught with possession of marijuana. According to an ESPN report, he was initially pulled over for speeding:

"“Ray was pulled over for speeding while driving westbound on Interstate 70 at 5:46 a.m., according to Missouri State Highway Patrol spokesman Cpl. Scott White. According to White, the officer detected the smell of fresh — not burning — marijuana, and after conducting a search found a “personal amount” in one of the car’s compartments.”"

Could his draft stock fall, causing him to drop out of the top ten?

It’s possible. But for now, we will take him for talent alone, and on that basis he is certainly worthy of an early draft selection.

What do you think? Would you want to see Ray drafted by the Falcons?

Check out the entire mock draft here.

Next: Blogging Dirty Writers' Mock Draft: Round 6