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Editors note: This is a two-part series examining the film of Shaq Barrett and Shane Ray and their prospects of replacing DeMarcus Ware as Von Miller’s partner in pass-rushing. In part one, we’re starting with Shaq.

The Broncos don’t just have two of the very best 3-4 outside linebackers in the NFL; they also have two of the most promising players at the position right behind them. With DeMarcus Ware restructuring his contract and coming off of a back injury, Shaquil Barrett and Shane Ray will need to step up.

Obviously, as shown last season, replacing Ware isn’t a one-man job. Both players will get a good amount of snaps and be expected to contribute in a big way. Barrett and Ray are emblematic of the Broncos depth and young talent, simply waiting to breakout, make no mistake. However, the two are competing for snaps now, and for a long-term money in the future.

At a certain point, the Broncos will have to decide who their guy is out of the two, and it begins this season with snaps in spot duty for the future Hall of Famer.

Note: As recently as this offseason I’ve had a chance to re-watch Barrett’s collegiate film, and he was truly impressive. Ray, on the other hand, I still remember the first time I watched film of his at the beginning of his breakout 2014 season. His motor was intoxicating, especially when combined with his quick twitch skills and his ability get in the backfield regularly.

Shaq Barrett

Scouting Report

Against the Run

• Barrett stands out for his deep awareness, technique, ability to cover ground and athleticism against the run.
• His motor is always running; he hustles in pursuit like few players you’ll ever see. He always runs down backside runs and tries to get in on the tackle.
• Shaquil has shown the ability to stand up offensive linemen against the run and capacity to play as a two-gap defender if need be. He has high-level awareness, lateral agility and uses his arms to his advantage.
• Pops outside to cover the edge then gets back inside to make the tackle on the RB (See: Above GIF)
• Shaq shows off great burst to get by his man, chase down the runner and get a tackle for loss in the backfield
• He isn’t the biggest and did struggle some against the Browns Joe Thomas some aginst the run. Not to say he didn’t hold his own, but he is smaller, and he needs to play with great leverage to win against that type of elite tackle.
• Barrett does the most important run assignment for his position very well, he sets a good edge. He stays strong and disciplined at the point of attack and has had his fair share of tackles for a loss thanks to his prowess in this facet of the game.

Cover skills

• When asked to turn and run with receivers, Barrett held his own. He can stick with guys for 20 yards and even had a great play on Antonio Gates, ripping the ball out his hands as he fell to the ground.
• Barrett had some issues in sticking with a receiver on lateral movement but is able to stick with them running downfield.
• He was asked to cover Raiders receiver Micheal Crabtree in the slot on an underneath zone and was very competent.
• Shaq is excellent in covering the flats when asked. His awareness shows and he’s very good at reading the play, being in position to get downhill and lay down the hammer on receivers and runners alike.

Pass rush

• Barrett showed some good bend and ability to get under tackle’s pads. He even gave Joe Thomas issues with this, almost forcing a holding flag and flushing out the QB in the process.
• More impressive of Shaq was that when I charted plays from his tape, I noticed an extremely high amount of plays made on third down. A play that really stood out was against Oakland Week 5 in which they had a pulling guard come over to the edge to try and block him. Shaq exploded off the snap and shook the guard before he could even lay a finger on him, he subsequently fought through a back’s block and hit the QB to force the ball out for an incomplete pass.
• Barrett has a more developed pass rushing arsenal than he did in college. He’s also leaner and appears more powerful, especially at the point of impact. His go-to is the swim move, but he also has a good bull rush and was winning off his first-step a surprising amount. He flashed a nice spin move and has shown himself to be an effective inside blitzer.
• On the tape I studied, he wore down later in games. He wasn’t as explosive, and his technique wasn’t as sharp. His stamina, if used in a more regular role, will have to be better.
• Barrett will also need to work on his counter moves to get off initial blocks; he would get locked on at times.
• He was truly impressive against Joe Thomas and the Browns, creating several tackles for a loss, some pressure on the All-Pro left tackle and a devastating sack-fumble. His closing burst, much like his athleticism, is better than anticipated.

To sum it all up, Barrett is an incredibly complete player despite a relative level of NFL inexperience. He can play both OLB positions in the Broncos 3-4 front, he has great instincts against the run and is a madman in pursuit. Barrett can rush the passer, thanks to some developing technique, good strength, and some first step explosion, plus some added wiggle that’ll surprise you. On top of that, the Broncos coaching staff has already entrusted Shaq on drops and other coverage responsibilities. He’s a trusted member of the team who was already featured in 45.3-percent of the defensive snaps in 2015 and producing at a high level, finishing 2015 with 50 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles.