2014 DBN Mock Draft: New England Patriots Select DE Kony Ealy at No. 29

With the 29th pick in the 2014 Dawgs By Nature Community Mock Draft, the New England Patriots select...

Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri

This selection and write-up was made by roar888:

The Patriots are in serious need of depth on the defensive line, particularly on the outside. Having a solid rotation in the trenches is a huge factor in the defense's effectiveness later in the game. Ealy is the perfect candidate for that third DE, the one who can step in and play up to half the snaps with minimal production drop off. He has great size and athleticism, and his pass rushing skills make him a good fit in the Patriots' four man front.

Ealy's raw talent also means that he could start for New England in the near future, making this more than just a depth pick.  He showed serious potential at Missouri, logging 14.5 TFL and 9.5 sacks in his final season there. His biggest downside is a lack of power and strength, but because the Patriots will not expect him to start right away, they can deliberately rotate him into situations that minimize that weakness until he develops the frame and footwork to minimize it himself.

Ealy's immediate role for the Patriots will be as a rotational pass rusher, though his snaps will likely be punctuated with big plays. He has a lot of raw talent, and he will make a case for more playing time right out of the gate.

This is the definition of an un-sexy first-round pick, and it seems to fit what the Patriots would do. This seems to be the direction the Patriots are going, though -- re-building the defensive line. This won't be a pick that wins the Patriots a championship this year, but it has the long-term mentality in mind.

The San Francisco 49ers are up next, led by corey.freuen.

2014 DBN Community Mock Draft Results (so far)