As a sophomore the year before, Ealy was given a third round grade by the
NFL Draft Advisory Board, which is typically conservative when projecting the draft positions of underclassmen.
[4][5] Following his breakout junior campaign, Ealy was a projected first round pick by numerous outlets, including the Panthers General Manager
Dave Gettleman,
[6] with some projecting him as a potential top 10 selection.
[7][8][9] His combination of length, athleticism, and versatility drew comparisons to players including
Robert Quinn,
Michael Bennett, and
Chandler Jones.
[8][10] Dallas Cowboys executive vice president
Stephen Jones noted after the
2014 NFL Draft that had the Cowboys not traded the number 47 overall selection in a deal to move up to select Boise State defensive end
DeMarcus Lawrence, they would have used that pick to draft Ealy, whom they regarded as an immediate starter.
[11]