Broncos move up to grab MU's Ray

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - The Denver Broncos moved up five spots to select Missouri pass-rusher Shane Ray with the 23rd pick in the NFL draft Thursday night.

Ray was considered a top-15 talent but slipped down the draft board after he was issued a misdemeanor citation Monday morning for possession of marijuana.

Ray, who led the Southeastern Conference in sacks last season, sounded chastened after his selection. He'll play on a defense with Von Miller.

"I'm just so honored," Ray said. "They gave me a chance. That's all I needed. They gave me a chance and I'm going to take full advantage."

He said he was eager to play for a Super Bowl contender with Peyton Manning at the helm.

"Defensive end, linebacker, wherever they want me to play, I'm going to get them the ball back to help them win," he said. "I'm more than excited. I can't wait."

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Ray was the SEC defensive player of the year, but his stock slipped this week when he was cited for possession of a small amount of marijuana after a trooper in Missouri pulled him over for speeding on Interstate 70.

The Broncos sent ninth-year offensive lineman Manny Ramirez and the 28th pick to Detroit along with a fifth-round pick this year and a fifth-rounder next year to move up.