Clowney who? Mizzou's Ealy says he's the 'best guy in this draft, period'

Published Apr. 23, 2014 7:30 p.m. ET

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Kony Ealy certainly isn't lacking confidence as he gets set for the NFL Draft.

The former Mizzou defensive end would like everyone to know that there are other pass rushers available outside of projected No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney.

"I feel like I'm the best guy in this draft, period," Ealy told USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday. "And that's not a cocky thing -- that's just a confidence thing. It's not just talk. It's been proven. My numbers show for it. My size and speed and agility show for it. What else can you want?"

What else can you want? Um, Jadeveon Clowney? Khalil Mack? Johnny Manziel? For the sake of space, lets stop there. FOX Sports draft guru Joel Klatt doesn't even have Ealy going in the first round in his latest projections.

"I've never had an injury, never had an off-the-field distraction," Ealy said. "I really don't pay attention to a lot of what outside people say.

"The only thing that matters is what the NFL coaches say, and then everybody else -- we'll see what happens May 8."

Perhaps Ealy is looking at Clowney's measly three sacks in 2013 and thinks his 9 1/2 were significantly better. Maybe?

How about we break down the numbers from the NFL Combine to see what they say.

Ealy's got the swag. Clowney's got the numbers. And body. And freakish talent. And hype. And everything else.

You have to give credit where credit is due, however. Because if Ealy doesn't make those statements, would anyone outside of SEC country even know who he was? That's good marketing.

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