ENGLEWOOD – The Denver Broncos moved up six 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 when a trooper found a small amount of marijuana in his car.

Ray, who led the SEC 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.”

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

Last year, Broncos general manager John Elway rolled the dice on Ohio State cornerback Bradley Roby, who also slipped down the board following a couple of run-ins with the law.

That selection worked out great for the Broncos and Roby, who had a terrific rookie season.

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.

They have nine more selections over the next two days.