Draft Quick Hits: 5 facts about Cowboys' newest edge rusher, Donovan Ezeiruaku
The Dallas Cowboys bolstered their defense on Friday, drafting Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku with the No. 44 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. As fans get to know the newest Cowboy, here are five key things to know about the explosive pass rusher.
Sack Machine
Ezeiruaku ranked second in the FBS with 16.5 sacks during the 2024 season and had 30.0 sacks overall in his career showcasing his elite pass-rushing ability.
Explosive Athlete
At the 2025 NFL Combine, he posted the fastest three-cone drill and short shuttle times among edge rushers, proving his ability to bend, accelerate, and close quickly on quarterbacks.
Relentless Motor
A consensus All-American selection in 2024, Ezeiruaku is known for his high-energy play style, often chasing down ball carriers and fighting through multiple blockers on the same play with consistent effort.
Undersized, But Long and Strong
Though he doesn't have prototypical size for an edge defender, Ezeiruaku's long arms and powerful punch allow him to shed blocks and stay disruptive in both the run and pass game.
Proven College Performer
A standout at Boston College, Ezeiruaku was a two-time All-ACC selection who steadily improved each year, becoming a key defensive leader for the Eagles and took home the Ted Hendricks Award which is given to the top defensive end in college football.
Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
New Orleans Saints Quarterback Competition Heats Up in Final Week of OTAs
New Orleans Saints Quarterback Competition Heats Up in Final Week of OTAs originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The New Orleans Saints quarterback competition stays hot. The final practice open to the media for OTAs highlighted the intense battle between rookie quarterback Tyler Shough and second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler. New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6)Stephen Lew-Imagn Images On Thursday, the Saints' offense worked in the red zone. Spencer Rattler ended the day 6/8 passing with 3 touchdowns, while Shough finished 7/8 passing with one touchdown. Both players rotated working with the first and second teams. Advertisement The quarterback battle became public first during the open portion of the first week of OTAs when Shough and Rattler each had impressive showings. During 7-on-7 sessions, Rattler went a perfect 8/8 passing, while Shough followed up closely, going 7/8 with a deep 50+ yard bomb to Shaheed. The two young signal callers continued their impressive runs in 7-on-7 drills the following week. During the open portion of the Saints week two OTAs, Shough went 9/12 with 2 touchdowns and an interception. The rookie quarterback's touchdowns came excitingly, with both being 60+ yard deep passes. Rattler continues to be right on Shough's trail, however, going 10/12 passing. Shough finishes OTAs going 23/28 for 3 touchdowns and an interception while Rattler ends 24/28 passing with 3 touchdowns. Both players delivered impressive performances, continuing the tight battle for the starting quarterback. While head coach Kellen Moore said the team will maintain similar workouts during minicamp, the real battle will begin in training camp, when teams will be allowed contact drills. As training camp ramps up and bleeds into preseason, a starter will be named. Advertisement Related: New Orleans Saints Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry to Switch Jersey Number Related: New Orleans Saints Lead NFL in Cap Space Gained After June 1st Roster Moves This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Saints Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry to Switch Jersey Number to No. 4
Saints Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry to Switch Jersey Number to No. 4 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. A new look for the New Orleans Saints second-year cornerback. Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry is switching from jersey No. 14 to No. 4, per the team's website. Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry (14) reacts after breaking up a pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images McKinstry first wore No. 34 during the offseason of his rookie year before switching to No. 14. It wasn't until veteran quarterback Derek Carr's retirement would officially go through that the second-year cornerback could make the switch to No. 4. McKinstry wore No. 1 throughout his high school and college career. Advertisement The move was highly anticipated by fans as many viewed the No. 4 as a better fit for the second-year defensive back. The reactions to the switch have been overwhelmingly positive with one fan saying "You best believe that's Kool-Aid #4 getting bought and FRAMED" The No. 4 is most often worn by kickers, punters, and quarterbacks but a recent rule change on jersey numbers in 2021 allowed skill position players to wear single-digit numbers. This rule change has seen a significant number of players opting to wear lower-digit numbers. Similarly to McKinstry, Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor made a switch from No. 27 to No. 1 during his sophomore season. There's plenty of pressure on McKinstry to take a significant jump as he enters his second season. New Orleans is hoping the former Alabama cornerback can cement himself as the team's starting outside corner. McKinstry had a positive showing during his rookie campaign, but plenty of growing pains appeared on tape. With the number switch, McKinstry's sophomore campaign could be seen as a clean slate with a new look. Advertisement Related: New Orleans Saints Lead NFL in Cap Space Gained After June 1st Roster Moves Related: New Orleans Saints 2025 Preseason Schedule: Dates, Times, and Matchups Revealed This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
PFF Ranks New Orleans Saints Center Erik McCoy Top-5 in the NFL
PFF Ranks New Orleans Saints Center Erik McCoy Top-5 in the NFL originally appeared on Athlon Sports. New Orleans Saints center Erik McCoy is finally getting recognition. PFF released their top-10 rankings for centers in the NFL, ranking Erik McCoy as the fourth best. McCoy's importance to the Saints' offensive line was displayed during the 2024 season after suffering an injury during the opening drive of their Week 3 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. Advertisement The offensive line in New Orleans allowed just 2 sacks through their first two weeks leading to their 2-0 start. Once their Pro Bowl center left against early in their Week 3 matchup, the Eagles were able to exploit McCoy's absence leading to 4 sacks on the day for Philadelphia. McCoy would spend the rest of the 2024 season alternating from the injured reserve and back to playing before being ruled out for the rest of the season due to an elbow injury he suffered against the Green Bay Packers. The former second-round pick has been named to two Pro Bowls in his six-year career and earned a five-year, $63.75 million extension with the Saints in 2022. New Orleans has focused on building on their offensive line and used their two recent first-round picks on tackles Taliese Fuaga and Kelvin Banks Jr. With head coach Kellen Moore bringing a run-heavy offense, it will be vital for the Saints offensive line to be at their best to fit their new scheme. Advertisement Another notable name among PFF's list is Buffalo Bills center Connor McGovern. McGovern was claimed by the Saints off the New York Jets practice squad after McCoy's injury and started in five games for the team in 2024. The eight-year veteran performed well for the Saints but was waived after McCoy returned from injury. Related: New Orleans Saints Quarterback Competition Heats Up in Final Week of OTAs Related: New Orleans Saints Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry to Switch Jersey Number This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
