National Football League

Eddie Lacy helped the Broncos take Shane Ray at No. 23

Published May. 11, 2015 11:49 p.m. ET

foxsports

Two years ago, the Broncos passed on Eddie Lacy, a top-10 talent they downgraded because of toe issues.

According to 9 News Denver, the team regretted their consolation prize in Montee Ball. So when a similar high-ranking player dropped in the first round this year, John Elway and Co. didn't want to make the same error.

The Broncos weren't alone in downgrading Lacy, who went three spots after Ball to the Green Bay Packers. It's still early in their careers, but there's no debate that Lacy has been the superior back thus far.

Ray was considered a "medical reject" by more than one team because of toe injuries, per reports. The Missouri product won't practice with the team until he fully recovers.

The Broncos felt comfortable enough to take the best player this time. After passing on what they thought was a top talent a few years back, they agreed that an injured toe shouldn't stop them.

(h/t 9 News Denver)