The 2015 Shane Ray Trade: Denver Bought a Pass Rusher, Detroit Bought Volume
Denver moved up five spots for Shane Ray, sending Detroit a first-rounder, two fifth-rounders and Manny Ramirez. Ray contributed to a title team, but the premium price limited Denver's long-term return.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 2015 first-round pick, No. 23 overall ( Shane Ray )
Detroit Lions Received
- player Manny Ramirez
- pick 2015 first-round pick, No. 28 overall ( Laken Tomlinson )
- pick 2015 fifth-round pick, No. 143 overall
- pick 2016 fifth-round pick, No. 169 overall ( Antwione Williams )
Trade Summary
Denver moved from No. 28 to No. 23 in 2015 for Shane Ray, sending Detroit guard-center Manny Ramirez, No. 28, No. 143 and a 2016 fifth-rounder. Ray never became a long-term star but contributed to the Super Bowl 50 champion defense and recorded 14 sacks in four Broncos seasons. Detroit gained volume, yet its return produced no comparable franchise-changing payoff.
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
On April 30, 2015, Denver moved up five spots from No. 28 to No. 23. The Broncos received the selection used on edge rusher Shane Ray. Detroit received veteran offensive lineman Manny Ramirez, pick No. 28, pick No. 143 and a fifth-round choice in 2016 that became No. 169.
Why Denver Made the Move
Ray had slipped after entering the draft as one of the more highly regarded pass rushers in the class. Denver already featured Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, but adding another edge defender fit a roster built to win immediately. The Broncos accepted a significant package because they believed Ray's talent exceeded his draft position.
Denver's Realized Return
Ray did not become the long-term star Denver hoped for, but he was not without value. He played four seasons for the Broncos, recorded 14 sacks and was part of the defense that won Super Bowl 50. His best season came in 2016 with eight sacks. Injuries and inconsistency eventually prevented a second contract from becoming an obvious decision.
What Detroit Received
The Lions used No. 28 on guard Laken Tomlinson and the 2016 fifth-rounder on Antwione Williams. Tomlinson later became a durable, successful NFL starter, but Detroit traded him to San Francisco after only two seasons, so much of his eventual career value accrued elsewhere. Ramirez provided veteran depth, while No. 143 was moved again.
Final Verdict
Denver receives a B because Ray contributed to a championship defense and provided several seasons of pass-rush value. Detroit receives a B- for accumulating assets and drafting a player who ultimately had a strong career, but the Lions did not retain enough of that later value. Denver wins narrowly rather than overwhelmingly.
Ray contributed to Denver's championship defense while Detroit's acquired volume produced less team-specific value.