Defensive end Shane Ray confident in his NFL potential

Jim Corbett | USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh and general manager Ozzie Newsome were working out on adjacent treadmills last week when the conversation turned to Shane Ray, the reigning Southeastern Conference defensive player of the year.

"We both like him," Harbaugh said of the edge rusher who had 141/2 sacks and 221/2 tackles for losses last season with Missouri. "What jumps out first of all is his motor, right? This guy has an unbelievable motor.

"He's going to get plenty of NFL sacks just because he's going to keep coming relentlessly."

With his explosive first step, Ray plays in a havoc-wreaking rage, making others feel his pain.

That abandon is his way of repaying everything his mother, Sebrina Johnson, poured into him, pushing him toward football to escape an area of Kansas City, Mo., infested with gangs.

Ray's all-out effort is his way of honoring his mom, his teammates and the cousin he revered, Justen Johnson, who was killed in 2007 at 22 when he fell prey to those streets.

"Before every game, I'd get on one knee and talk to Justen. In my heart, I'd ask, 'Watch over me,'" Ray told USA TODAY Sports. "His memory is something I still carry. I just try to play lights out."

Ray wouldn't be around as a likely top-10 pick in the April 30-May 2 draft, he said, without Sebrina Johnson "doing such a great job of raising me, always keeping the right people around me."

Missouri defensive line coach Craig Kuligowski said, "Shane could have easily fallen into a gang lifestyle there.

"His mom did a fantastic job of being focused on what it was going to take to get them out alive. She was not only a very loving mother. She was a college basketball player, owned a restaurant, went through struggles. But she kept Shane focused."

Ray's best friend will be in Chicago to celebrate his selection.

"I'm sure she'll be crying," Ray said. "I'm sure I'll be full of emotions when my name is called. My mom sacrificed so much, pushing me back into the sport.

"My hunger is to make her proud."

Ray's father, Wendell, a Missouri linebacker from 1978 to 1980, was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 1981 draft. Wendell's protracted absence in his son's life added more motivation.

"Shane wanted to come here and be better than his dad," Kuligowski said.

"He is the most competitive guy we've ever had here."

What is facing a hulking left tackle after the odds Ray already beat?

"It's hard not to root for the guy," ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said. "Studying Michael Sam and Kony Ealy last year, I thought Shane was the best playmaker on that defense.

"What he does best is his first-step quickness, the quickness of his hands to get off blocks and locate the ball. When he goes to attack, he has a strong closing burst. I would say it's Clemson's Vic Beasley then Shane Ray as having the most explosive first step in this draft."

At 6-3 and 245 pounds, Ray set the Missouri record with 381/2 career sacks.

Ray is an ideal fit for new coach Todd Bowles of the New York Jets, who pick sixth, or fellow new coach Dan Quinn of the Atlanta Falcons, who select eighth.

Ray worked out for the Falcons on Tuesday. After getting a medical recheck on his sprained toe in Indianapolis on Friday, he'll visit the Jets on Sunday, hoping for a reunion with former teammate Sheldon Richardson.

"Playing again with my big brother, that would be insane," Ray said.

"One Mizzou defensive lineman on your team? That's something. Two? That's a definite problem."

McShay notes Ray needs to develop better counter moves when his speed rush stalls out.

"Shane certainly looks better when he's going after the quarterback rather than dropping," Quinn said. "I love the attitude he plays with. You sense the toughness.

"He keeps battling to make plays when somebody else might back off. He doesn't quit."

And he doesn't lack for confidence.

"I think I'm the best defensive end in this class, because I've continually gotten to the quarterback in the toughest conference," Ray said. "I just want to continue doing what I was able to do with 141/2 sacks."

OTHERS TO WATCH

Dante Fowler Jr., Florida

Height: 6-3. Weight: 261.

Scouting report: One of six elite players in the draft, he has versatile, fluid athleticism that allows him to play defensive end or outside linebacker. He notched 81/2 sacks and 15 tackles for loss.

Insider's take: "If you're talking edge defender, he's the most complete player and edge rusher in this draft," ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said.

Randy Gregory, Nebraska

Height: 6-5. Weight: 255.

Scouting report: An admitted positive test for marijuana at the combine raised a red flag. Still, Gregory has elite length and explosiveness as a prototypical defensive end with top-10 talent.

Insider's take: "If Randy Gregory was quote, unquote clean, I'd have him as the No. 1 edge player. With the concerns off the field, he'd be my second edge rusher," McShay said.

Hau'Oli Kikaha, Washington

Height: 6-2. Weight: 253.

Scouting report: Kikaha overcame multiple anterior cruciate ligament tears to post 21 sacks over the last two seasons. He is more powerful than explosive and boasts a relentless motor.

Insider's take: "He doesn't run the fastest 40. But he plays angry and has got a chance to be one of the most productive players of this group and is one of the most underrated players in this draft. He refuses to be blocked, refuses to quit," McShay said.

Eli Harold, Virginia

Height: 6-3. Weight: 247.

Scouting report: Long, lean and explosive with 171/2 sacks over the last two seasons. Harold needs to bulk up and has the frame to add another 15 pounds of muscle.

Insider's take: "He's still developing as a player. He's gotten a lot better this past year. There's more potential for development. He's got 33-inch arms, ran a 4.60, 40 at the combine. He should continue to grow into his body and get stronger," McShay said.

TEAM NEEDS

Jacksonville Jaguars: Coming off a 3-13 season, defensive-minded coach Gus Bradley needs a diverse defensive end-outside linebacker who can generate double-digit sacks.

New York Jets: First-year coach Todd Bowles has remade the squad's secondary with prized free agent cornerback Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie and Buster Skrine. Still, the Jets are lacking an elite, pass-rushing defensive end who can win on the edge and ease double-team pressure on Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson.

Chicago Bears: Defensive ends Lamarr Houston and Willie Young are coming off knee and Achilles injuries, respectively, which makes them question marks. With Jared Allen having turned 33 two weeks ago, new coach John Fox needs to get younger and faster at the defensive end position.

Atlanta Falcons: The 6-10 Falcons tied for 31st in the NFL with 22 sacks in 2014. New coach Dan Quinn, formerly the Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator, preaches an attacking defensive mind-set that could use a boost from a dynamic edge catalyst.

***

Follow Jim Corbett on Twitter @ByJimCorbett