Draft Profile Series: Kony Ealy
- Updated: April 30, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as a mock draft.
Kony Ealy, DE, 6-4, 273, Missouri
Key stats: Had 42 tackles, 14 for loss, 8 sacks and a pick-6 in 2013.
Strengths: Good build and length for the position. … Has good quickness and closes on the ball. … Makes quick post-snap, run/pass read and slides down inside to make tackles against run. … Likes to try to beat tackles with speed rushes, but has a higher percentage of success when he dives inside and then upfield. … Does good job using length to read quarterback and block passes. … Lined up all over line and has frame to fill out and possibly play defensive tackle in rush situations. Very durable player. … Is a good tackler.
Weaknesses: Not a great pass rusher. … Doesn’t have or use a wide array of pass rush moves. .. Plays too high and is too easily locked up by opposing tackles. … Once linemen get their hands on him he doesn’t have many counters. … Needs to get stronger. … Despite his quickness, he doesn’t always use it. … Only seems to play fast after he is clear and has open run to quarterback or running back. … Inconsistent motor. … Doesn’t always play with full effort, especially on plays to other side of field.
Conclusion: While I don’t think Ealy is a first-round talent right now, his frame and natural athletic ability should allow him to improve. … If he gets stronger and becomes more technically sound as a defender, he should develop into a valuable and versitile defender. … Depending how his body fills out, Ealy could be a 4-3 defensive end, 3-4 outside backer, or even a tackle in rush situations. … Has ability and room to improve, so his upside may lead to him hearing his named called earlier than his performance warrants.
NFL comparison: Everson Griffen/Robert Ayers.
Draft projection: Late-first or early-second rounder.
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