2014 Mock Draft: Bengals select Missouri Defensive End Kony Ealy

If the 2014 NFL draft were a NASCAR race, then we'd have to view the proverbial "team need" being too close to call between cornerback and defensive end. Now that Cincinnati has lost one of their top defensive ends, there's a need there -- provided some miraculous improvement happens with Margus Hunt. Cornerback is obviously is a passive need, but the position wasn't necessarily discussed as an immediate one -- rather something now to present into the future.

But it makes sense that recent mock drafts have Cincinnati selecting a defensive end, such as the one that Jason pointed out earlier on Wednesday with Kony Ealy. Let's add to the pile. Sports Illustrated's Don Banks went with Ealy at No. 24 also.

Another potential no-brainer. The Bengals lost perhaps their best pure pass rusher in free agency when defensive end Michael Johnson jumped to Tampa Bay's ship, but Ealy is a versatile talent who has the size and instincts to consistently get to the quarterback. If Cincy prioritizes its need at cornerback over more pass rush, TCU's Jason Verrett and Virginia Tech's Kyle Fuller both should be available.

We shouldn't necessarily get caught up with position of needs. Cincinnati will pick the best player on their board. However, if we're making a list, the best player at defensive end, cornerback and offensive tackle probably gets the most attention.