**
FROM THE FILM:**
At 245 pounds, Ray's speed rush around the outside is his best move, as you'd expect. But he's a certain first-rounder because he's more than just an explosion off the edge; he does a nice job catching offensive tackles off balance by using his quickness to break inside.
His run defense improved this year as he grew more stout at the point of attack against some offensive tackles who will eventually join him in the pro ranks.
"Setting the edge is simply often your hand placement, explosiveness off the ball," Ray said. "I felt like this season I faced offensive linemen that were 6-8, 6-9, 350 pounds, and I set the edge easily, just as well as anyone else in the nation. And it's simply just coming from placing your hands in the right place, and having a good base. And I did that.
"So, in the run game, people think I'm just a pass rusher, but I'm not. I take a lot of pride in the run game, being physical. My solo tackles speak for themselves as well. I'm chasing guys down across the field. I just like to think of myself as a complete player."
But Ray will a bit more weight to get there.
"I told (teams) as well that I could probably get to 250 (pounds) and still be very comfortable holding my speed and explosiveness," he said at the Scouting Combine. "I haven't heard a complaint from any teams."
**
OF NOTE:**
Ray has no concerns about whether he works as a 4-3 end or a 3-4 outside linebacker, declaring at the Scouting Combine that he could play either spot.
Ray did not work out at the Combine because of a foot injury, but took part in Mizzou's Pro Day on March 19.
His 40-yard dash time of 4.68 seconds would have placed him ninth among the edge rushers at the Combine, but was slower than the times posted by prospects such as Kentucky's Alvin "Bud" Dupree and Florida's Dante Fowler Jr., who are 24 and 16 pounds heavier than Ray, respectively.
COMBINE MEASUREMENTS:
Height:6-foot-3
Weight:245 pounds
Arm:33 1/8 inches (T-20th among 35 Combine edge rushers)
Hand:9 3/4 inches (T-23rd among 35 Combine edge rushers)
