The Cowboys hit the jackpot by drafting Donovan Ezeiruaku.
The Dallas Cowboys needed wide receiver and running back help coming into the NFL draft. Edge rusher, while not at the top of the list of needs, was another position that had losses during free agency as DeMarcus Lawrence, Chauncey Golston, and Carl Lawson, who combined for 13.5 sacks in 2024, were not on the 2025 roster.
It was expected that the Cowboys would grab at least one defensive player within the first three rounds, more than likely on Day 2. That’s exactly what happened when Dallas trusted their board and selected Donovan Ezeiruaku out of Boston College with the 44th overall pick in the second round.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Matt Miller ranked the top 100 picks of the 2025 draft. Ezeiruaku came in at No. 14 on his list.
My final overall ranking: No. 36
The Cowboys didn’t get their receiver or running back needs addressed early, but they did get a speedy pass rusher to help Micah Parsons. Ezeiruaku has excellent length (34-inch arms) and a dynamic first step with closing speed off the edge. He needs to add play power but provides great value in the middle of Round 2.
Ezeiruaku will certainly need to add some offseason weight and get stronger to deal with NFL level offensive lineman. However, he comes into the league with an impressive tool bag as a pass rusher. He can win with speed. That’s his main advantage. Ezeiruaku also has a combination of moves that will help him succeed on the pro level. From the chop, swipe, spin, swim, ghost rush, you name it, Ezeiruaku can do it all. Another thing that’s impressive about Ezeiruaku is that he can rush from either side, which pairs well with a guy like Parsons on passing downs.
It’s true that the Cowboys have Sam Williams, Marshawn Kneeland and Dante Fowler Jr. on the roster. The issue is that Williams is coming off an ACL tear and hasn’t taken the next step yet in three seasons. As far as Kneeland, he also missed time as a torn meniscus kept him out for five games (missed six total). So, that left Parsons and Fowler Jr. as the only sure weapons to rush the passer off the edge for Dallas. Getting a player like Ezeiruaku, who is technically sound and NFL ready as far as rushing the passer, is a huge win for Dallas.
