Cowboys draft grade: Day 2 grades for Donovan Ezeiruaku, Shavon Revel Jr.

Here are our grades for the Day 2 picks

With the 44th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku from Boston College, addressing a key need on their defensive front following the departure of veteran DeMarcus Lawrence.

Ezeiruaku had an impressive collegiate career, notably in 2024 when he earned All-American, ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors, and the Ted Hendricks Award (given to the nation’s best defensive end). He recorded 20.5 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks, both leading the ACC last season. He also led the nation with 20 quarterback hits which only adds to his intrigue.

Known for his exceptional wingspan (85th percentile), lateral quickness, and refined pass-rushing techniques, he brings a dynamic presence to the Cowboys’ defense. While his size raises some concerns, his high productivity and explosiveness make him a promising addition and a very safe pick in the second round, moving away from the tradition of taking risks with their early Day 2 pick.

Ezeiruaku is expected to contribute immediately, bolstering a defensive line undergoing significant changes. With Marshawn Kneeland taking on the Lawrence role, and questions on Sam Williams’ health as he returns from last years ACL injury he sustained before the season started, taking a highly productive and high character defensive end makes a lot of sense. Based on his value, talent and how the consensus rankings had him, this pick is a great steal in the second round at pick 44. PFF.com had him at pick 17 and Dane Brugler had him ranked 22nd.

Pick 44 Grade: A+

With the 76th overall pick and Dallas’ second pick on Day 2, the Dallas Cowboys selected cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. from East Carolina, adding a promising and elite talent to their secondary.

Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 194 pounds, Revel possesses the length and athleticism ideal for a boundary corner. He showcased his skills in 2023, earning Second-Team All-AAC honors. In 2024, despite playing only three games before suffering a torn ACL, he still managed to record two interceptions, two pass breakups, and a pick-six, demonstrating his playmaking abilities.

Originally projected as a first-round pick, Revel’s draft stock dipped significantly due to the injury, but he is expected to be ready for training camp in July. His addition provides the Cowboys with much needed depth and potential at the cornerback position, complementing their defensive strategy and addressing the need for versatile defensive backs.

The main concern with Revel is the fact he is joining a defensive back room carrying a major injury, whilst the team is already dealing with major injuries of their own. On the flip side, the medical staff that took of Revel was the same staff that currently work for Dallas, meaning they have a major insight and knowledge of the risks his injury carries.

Pick 76 Grade: B+

Overall Day 2 Grade: A-