Kony Ealy
Position: Defensive end
College: Missouri
Height/Weight: 6’4″ / 273 lbs
40 yard dash: 4.69
Strengths: Ealy’s athleticism jumps off the tape. He shows good initial quickness off the snap to force right tackles into respecting his speed rush, but saw time all over the defensive line and even as a stand-up linebacker. He has a quick spin move back to the inside to complement his speed and has developing pass-rush technique, including an over-arm swim and a power slap. Perhaps best of all, Ealy possesses the flexibility to turn the corner efficiently and closes quickly, demonstrating the ability to rip the ball free from the quarterback with a powerful chop or with an explosive collision. Impressive straight-line acceleration for a man of his size. Good recognition to get his hands into passing lanes when he can’t get to the quarterback. Times his leap well and long arms and good hand-eye coordination.
Weaknesses: Ealy is prone to coming off the snap too high, making himself vulnerable to cut blocks and is a more effective pass rusher than run defender, at this time. While possessing the burst and balance to attack off the edge out of the two-point stance, Ealy looks uncomfortable dropping back into coverage and offers minimal experience in this area.
Comparison: Robert Quinn
Availability: Likely to be available at #27 and to be drafted somewhere in that area.
Dee Ford
Position: Defensive end
College: Auburn
Height/Weight: 6’2″ / 252 lbs
40 yard dash: 4.59
Strengths: Fluid athlete with impressive burst, agility and underrated strength. As his size suggests, Ford relies on his burst off the snap to gain the corner against offensive tackles. He accelerates smoothly and is flexible enough to bend around the corner as a pure speed rusher. Also possesses long arms and broad shoulders. These give him better pop at the point of attack than his opponents expect. While he’s not going to be able to hold up against a powerful run-blocking right tackle all day long, Ford shows some toughness in setting the edge and does a nice job of jumping outside to keep contain.
Weaknesses: Lacks the size and leverage ability to routinely hold his ground at the point of attach against tackles, when asked to defend the run. Lacks consistent rep experience dropping into coverage and may have a learning curve there at the next level, where he’ll need to show an ability to contribute if he hopes to be an every-down NFL player.
Comparison: Corey Lemonier
Availability: Like Ealy, there’s a good chance he’s available at #27 and will likely go anywhere from late first to early second.
Ryan Shazier
Position: Outside linebacker
College: Ohio State
Height/Weight: 6’1″ / 237 lbs
40 yard dash: 4.38
Strengths: Rangy athlete with terrific closing acceleration and burst. Explosive first step as a blitzer to force the QB from his spot. Very good bend off the edge with momentum to fight through blocks and disrupt the pocket. Flexible ankles and flattens easily. Uses his length well at the point of attack with good take-on strength to deliver a pop, filling hard vs. the run. Eyes are always elevated with good ball vision and anticipation. Breaks down well on the move and gets low, showing clear improvement with his tackling technique. Smart and puts himself in correct position to make plays. Sniffs out the ball and almost always finishes when he’s in the area. Never quits working to the ball and relentless in pursuit.
Weaknesses: Lean frame and lacks elite bulk. Doesn’t have the body type to get too much bigger. Needs to continue to get stronger to better shed at the point of attack. Too easily engulfed when attacking the line of scrimmage. Sometimes content throwing his shoulder and not wrapping up. Overaggressive at times in coverage and needs patient and alert. Will lose track of his assignment in man. Needs to stay disciplined and tidy up his timing to avoid late hits and unnecessary flags. Needs to keep his composure and keep his emotions in check. History of minor injuries that have caused him to miss playing time.
Comparison: LaVonte David
Availability: Seems 50/50 at this point that he will be available at #27. He could go as early as the late teens, but likely won’t fall out of the first round. Expect the Saints to take a long look if he’s there when they pick.
Anthony Barr
Position: Outside linebacker
College: UCLA
Height/Weight: 6’5″ / 255 lbs
40 yard dash: 4.41
Strengths: Perhaps most impressive qualities are Barr’s balance, lateral agility and acceleration, which he uses to break down in the open field as well as when exploding into ball carriers for ferocious hits. Freakish combination of size and athleticism. Possesses long arms, extraordinary burst off the ball and explosive closing ability — a terrifying combination that gives him an immediate advantage over pass-blockers. Developing swim move to complement his speed, and possesses the strength and use of leverage to effectively bull-rush.
Weaknesses: Still developing as a run defender. Will be tested in coverage if working as a stand-up linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Raw as a two-year player on the defensive side of the ball in coverage, and will need to pick up NFL schemes quickly to be more than a situational pass rusher as a rookie.
Comparison: DeMarcus Ware
Availability: One of those players who’s stock has seem to cooled off since the mock drafts first started. Some believe he will still go in the first round, but it’s possible he could slip in to the second.
