FRISCO, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys spent their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft replacing recently retired All-Pro Zack Martin by selecting Alabama guard Tyler Booker.
On Friday, they followed up by also replacing departed four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence, who signed a three-year, $32.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks, with their second-round pick. Dallas selected Boston College All-American edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku 44th overall after he earned 2024 ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors.
The pick came as a surprise to Ezeiruaku because they didn't indicate a high level of interest in him throughout the draft process. He had an informal visit at the NFL Scouting Combine, but he wasn't invited for a 30 visit. Ezeiruaku ranked second in college football in sacks (16.5) and fourth in tackles for loss (21) this past season. He excels at his feet, with jab steps and cross-chops, to bend around the edge. He stands to improve in the run game, but his length (34-inch wingspan) is a plus.
"I would describe my pass rush style as obviously a speed rusher, finesse, but at the same time, I'm very good with my hands, able to deflect. I'm very instinctive at the same time. I kind of dictate, I don't wait for the offensive tackle to give me what I'm looking for. I dictate in that realm, and I just use my God-given ability."
Refining his game, particularly rusher the passer, alongside All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons is a perfect start to a young edge rusher's career.
"It'll be great to learn from somebody like that who's not from [New] Jersey, but he's from PA," Ezeiruaku said. "So it'll be really cool to share the field with a guy like that and definitely learn from him."
The Cowboys continue to build along the trenches in this draft, seemingly doing what they can to go toe to toe with the Super Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles in 2025. Ironically enough, Ezeiruaku grew up an Eagles fan and celebrated their latest Super Bowl win with pride. However, those days are over now. He spoke to media in Dallas on the phone from a country club in his hometown, and he told people from his home town to take their Eagles gear off after becoming the newest Cowboy.
"That was pretty cool, my last year as an Eagles fan," Ezeiruaku said.
Draft grade: A-
After first-round buzz, this is right value for the Boston College star. Huge sack numbers that didn't align with his pressure rate in 2024. Incredible hand work. Bendy, solid, albeit unspectacular burst. Fun complement to Micah Parsons. Fills a need, too. --- Chris Trapasso
