2014 NFL Draft: Kony Ealy drafted by the Carolina Panthers

Missouri defensive end Kony Ealy was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the 60th pick in the 2014 NFL draft..

Ealy was a two-year starter for the Tigers, logging 27.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, four forced fumbles, an interception, 13 passes broken up, and 19 QB hurries for his career. A four-star recruit from New Madrid, Mo., he turned potential into solid production as a sophomore and junior. While Michael Sam stole headlines during Mizzou's 12-2 run in 2013, Ealy was Missouri's best defensive end for most of the last half of the season. And he saved his best for last. Against Auburn and Oklahoma State in the SEC Championship game and Cotton Bowl, respectively, he recorded five tackles for loss, three sacks, a forced fumble, and a break-up.

His athletic potential and diverse skill set -- the potential to put on weight and move inside or play a straight-up 4-3 defensive end -- made him a potential first-round pick as he got feedback from scouts, but his lack of a truly dominant single skill perhaps, not to mention an insanely deep overall draft class, helped to knock him to the second day. Regardless ... congrats, Kony. Give 'em hell.