The Oakland Raiders hosted former Broncos outside linebacker Shane Ray, according to ESPN's Field Yates.
The Raiders hosted former Broncos OLB Shane Ray on a visit, per source. Pass rush remains a top need for Oakland.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 9, 2019
Ray was the 23rd overall pick by the Broncos in the 2015 NFL Draft. He has failed to live up to expectations. He has battled through injuries and inconsistent play throughout his four years in the NFL.
Despite having a solid sophomore season in which he set career-high marks in tackles (48) and sacks (8), he could not recapture or build off his 2016 form.
The Broncos declined to pick up his fifth-year option, which isn't surprising since they drafted Bradley Chubb with the fifth pick last season.
In Ray's four-year career, he has had 94 tackles, 14 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Oakland is in need of pass rushers after having only 13 sacks on defense, worst in the NFL, in 2018. After parting with Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin, the pass rush was nonexistent for the Raiders.
Whether Shane Ray will be an answer to the Raiders' defensive woes is up for speculation, but he can still bring a lot to the table. He'll turn 26 in May and has all the physical tools to be a good player in the NFL.
He will likely play as a defensive end in the Raiders' 4-3 defense. The Raiders remain intrigued with last year's third-round pick Arden Key. Ray could be a starter or a valuable situational pass rusher. Yet, considering their lack of depth and experience at the defensive end position, Ray figures to be an immediate starter for them before the start of the 2019 draft.
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