The Cleveland Browns have signed a number of undrafted free agents and among the many that went largely unnoticed throughout the draft process, Wyatt Ray stands out. The fact Ray went undrafted is a shock in itself considering he was viewed as a Day 3 talent by most outlets and he had a more than solid career at Boston College.
Ray is an extremely intriguing edge rusher, with the ability to play either defensive end or outside linebacker, but projects much better at OLB.
OLB, Wyatt Ray
Height: 6-3
Weight: 257 pounds
Ray should have been drafted just based purely off his ability as an edge rusher and his active hands are a rarity in this class that should have been valued more. Ray plays with unique power and consistently shows the ability to move blockers out of the way.
Although he was not the “star” of the Boston College defensive line, Ray is never going to skip snaps and has a motor that won’t stop, which should at the very least keep him as a viable special teams contributor.
Despite checking a plethora of boxes, Ray was likely not drafted due to his lack of length, which is an indicator of potential struggles in the NFL. His lack of height and arm length are disadvantages. Ray was an extremely productive pass rusher in college, but his lack of effectiveness against the run is alarming.
There are also concerns surrounding his statistical production, considering seven of his nine sacks last season were against two teams in Louisville and Wake Forest, but with that said, he looks like a dominant player in those two contests.
The Browns are clearly looking to upgrade their linebacker unit and Ray has a great chance of making the roster. He certainly has enough traits to develop into a quality starter in the NFL.
