Good morning Cowboys nation. Yes, my title is correct. I really do think that the Dallas Cowboys could have actually made one of the best picks in the second round, and he may even be one of the biggest steals in 2025.
Abdul Carter is clearly the runaway favorite for the rookie DPOY award just a few days after the draft, followed by Mason Graham and Jalon Walker, Travis Hunter and others, but what if I told you the Dallas Cowboys second round pick could knock at the door this season?
Donovan Ezeiruaku
Boston College defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku was selected with the 44th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys on Friday night.
I was hoping for a wide receiver, but after they made the pick I went ahead and started to dive into his career at BC and see what type of player he could be at the next level.
Some draft boards had a first round grade on him, but playing at an FBS school is probably the reason he slipped, but his numbers still his numbers are as good as anyone regardless of that, and he has some impressive hardware.
I love Donovan Ezeiruaku. One of the best steals in the draft.
Lack of play strength & power will need to improve, but his quickness, explosiveness, length, & ability to turn the corner with speed is extremely intriguing.
One of my favorite players to evaluate in the 25 class. pic.twitter.com/mjCpNWoZtv
— Connor Livesay (@ConnorNFLDraft) April 28, 2025
Ezeiruaku earned First Team honors by the American Football Coaches Association, Associated Press, and Sporting News.
He was a Second Team All-American pick by the Walter Camp Football Foundation. Not only that, he also became BC’s first All-American since the 2022 season and was the first Eagle to be a consensus All-American since 2013.
Numbers Don’t Lie
Ezeiruaku won ACC Defensive Player of the Year and was a First Team All-ACC selection. He led all NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) players in total sacks, finishing the regular season with a total of 16.5 sacks.
His 1.38 sacks per game average was also tops in the FBS. His 16.5 sacks also tied for Boston College’s single-season record, as he posted at least one sack in eight games and two or more in six games.
What grade do you give the Dallas Cowboys draft class?
RG Tyler Booker
DE Donovan Ezeiruaku
CB Shavon Revel Jr.
RB Jaydon Blue
LB Shemar James
OL Ajani Cornelius
DT Jay Toia
RB Phil Mafah
DT Tommy Akingbesote— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) April 26, 2025
Ezeiruaku led Boston College with 80 tackles during the 2024 season, including a team-best 20.5 tackles for a loss, which also ranked second nationally in the FBS.
If we take a look at the current defensive ends for Dallas, the big offseason upgrade was adding Dante Fowler back. That is huge.
We all know what Micah Parsons is going to do, so adding Ezeiruaku to this group with the production he is coming off of in college is huge.
He and Marshawn Kneeland are going to be needed, and guess what, Sam Williams is reported to be ready for training camp.
I think this defensive line is going to be able to create a lot of pressure with the guys they have now. Last week I was a bit worried, but it looks good as of April 29th.
Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones says DE Sam Williams is "ready" and will be limited in OTAs and a full go for training camp.
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) April 27, 2025
The offensive side of the ball needs help and still needs to add another wide receiver next to CeeDee Lamb, but this defensive group looks like it may be able to do some work under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.
I really have no idea what they are going to do with the offense. They took two skill players this draft, and although it was a really good draft, I would feel a heck of a lot better if they had more at the running back and wide receiver positions.
Overall, I give them a B, and it would have been an A if they did not have a major need still at WR. Jerry, please one time just do us all a favor and go out and trade for someone to put next to Lamb, so this offense can move the ball a little bit better.