Is Kony Ealy Destined for the Cincinnati Bengals in the first?
The [Bengals’] entire defense is predicated on their ability to generate pressure and let the linebackers and secondary do what they do best. The team has selected at least one defensive lineman in each of the last seven years, not including Wallace Gilberry, who was signed in free agency and plays a big part in the rotation.
Ealy is an NFL-ready pass rusher. He brings a variety of moves, and has a great combination of size (6’4″, 273) and quickness which allows him to effectively get to opposing quarterbacks. He’s also a versatile player who can play inside as well when needed. One knock on him is his play in the run game, where he often leaves himself vulnerable to blocks that take him out of the play. The Bengals like their ends to be effective against the rush as well.
The Bengals lost Michael Johnson in free agency, but still boast a solid D line. With Peko’s role diminishing and Atkins returning from a torn ACL, the Bengals could use some depth. Ealy in the first would provide a significant boost to the line.
“If something happens, and it’s the Cleveland Browns, I’m going to pour my heart out for the Dawg Pound and try to win a Super Bowl for Cleveland,” Manziel said. “I don’t care if they’ve had 20 starting quarterbacks since 1999. I’m going to be the 21st and the guy that brought them the Super Bowl.”
“If he doesn’t learn to win from inside the pocket, he’s not going to be a big success in the NFL, [Mayock said]. “However, if he’s willing to hang in there, go through his throws, and then it breaks down and he breaks out, that’s fine. But he’s going to get broken in half if he thinks he’s going to run the ball 20 times a game.”
He had 201 carries and 434 pass attempts in 2013. He was sacked 22 times. That computes to running the ball on 30.6 percent of the snaps Manziel took last year.
Manziel has said and done everything to keep his stock high in the draft. Houston and Jacksonville also need quarterbacks, and pick ahead of Cleveland.
According to the source, McClain was unable to finish a conditioning test and struggled throughout the workout.
It’s possible the Ravens could give McClain another chance at some point down the road. McClain has a relationship with Baltimore general manager Ozzie Newsome that dates back to when McClain was in college at Alabama, Newsome’s alma mater.
However, McClain is less likely to be a Raven now than he was prior to what happened Tuesday.
The Ravens need depth at ILB. While Ozzie has had success finding productive LBs as undrafted free agents, the team could use some dependable depth behind Daryl Smith, second year player Arthur Brown and Albert McClellan. A later round draft pick may be the answer.
Jones: ‘It’s hard for a rookie’
“We come in here every week and have to learn what we are doing and then you have to learn what the opposing team is doing,” said Jones of the biggest adjustment as a rookie. “It’s a lot of information. It’s hard for a rookie. The mental stage is what gets us. There is so much to learn. People expect a lot out of you, they want you to do a lot and be productive. It’s a process for the rookies.
“It’s tough because everybody is good. You can’t just show up without watching film and preparing. Even when you prepare your best it still doesn’t always work out the way you hope it would. That is what makes the NFL great football.”
“I want to work on physical conditioning, building strength. The mental part I want to become a student of the game. I don’t want to go out there and just play, but understand the game of football as far as formations and tendencies. This offseason I want to hone in on the mental part of the game.”
Adjusting to the NFL is process. Some players continue to rely on their physical abilities, which will only take them so far in a league full of athletes. It’s encouraging to see that Jones understands that he needs to be just as mentally prepared for Sundays.
The Sideline Report Announcement from Surge: If anyone is interested in going to Radio City Music Hall for the Draft for The Sideline Report work product only, these are the slots I can fill: Photographer, Press Box (Writers, Radio), TV Personality Interviews
Please contact Surge directly through email or the messaging system in the bottom left if you’re interested. Alternatively, you can let Dooommeeeedd or Ravenous128 know you’re interested in the comments section. The deadline is before April 18th. The 2014 NFL Draft begins Thursday, May 8th and ends on the 10th.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS