Latest news with #ACCDefensivePlayeroftheYear
CBS News
28-04-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Three Boston College players drafted, five others signed as undrafted free agents
Patriots draft pick Will Campbell will be "the right guy and a very good player" for New England Patriots draft pick Will Campbell will be "the right guy and a very good player" for New England Patriots draft pick Will Campbell will be "the right guy and a very good player" for New England While the New England Patriots are commanding a lot of attention for an incredible 2025 NFL Draft class, the Boston College Eagles had a pretty big weekend too. Three Boston College players were drafted over the NFL's three-day bonanza, and five others have since signed on as undrafted free agents. It's another big step in the right direction for Boston College, following a 7-6 season in Bill O'Brien's first year on the sideline. Boston College is one of just 17 schools to have at least two players picked in the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, after edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku went 44th overall to the Cowboys and offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo was taken with the 56th pick by the Bears. It's the first time two Boston College players have heard their name called in the first two rounds since 2009, when BJ Raji was taken ninth overall by the Green Bay Packers and Ron Brace was drafted 40th overall by the Patriots. This marks the 11th straight year a player from Boston College has been taken in the NFL Draft. Boston College players drafted in 2025 Ezeiruaku was the first Eagle to go off the board in 2025, when he was taken by the Dallas Cowboys 44th overall in the second round. He is the first Boston College player to be taken in the second round since 2020, when AJ Dillon was drafted with the 62nd overall pick by the Packers. The 2024 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, who led the conference with 16.5 sacks last season, was initially projected to be a first-round pick. But Ezeiruaku landed in a great spot where he can learn under four-time Pro Bowler and wrecking ball Micah Parsons. Trapilo, a Norwell native, went a short time later when Chicago took him with the 56th overall selection in the second round. Trapilo earned First Team All-ACC honors in 2024, and is the fourth offensive lineman from Boston College to be drafted in the last six years. Trapilo's dad, the late Steve Trapilo, also played along the offensive line at Boston College, and was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 1987 NFL Draft. Boston College center Drew Kendall -- who is also a Norwell native -- was the third and final Eagles player to be drafted, taken Saturday by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 168th overall selection in the fifth round. He is also the son of a former BC offensive lineman, and his dad, Pete, played a dozen seasons in the NFL after he was drafted in the first round (21st overall) in the 1996 draft. This is the first time three Eagles have been taken in the same draft since 2019, when four Boston College players were selected: guard Chris Lindstrom (14th overall to Atlanta), defensive end Zach Allen (third round, 65th overall to Arizona), safety Will Harris (third round, 81st overall to Detroit), and cornerback Tommy Sweeney (seventh round, 228th to Buffalo). Five Boston College players signed as Undrafted Free Agents Five other Eagles have found a home in the NFL as undrafted free agents, including offensive lineman Jack Conley, who signed with the Patriots according to his agency. Conley started all 12 games for Boston College at right guard last season, and earned All-ACC honorable mention. Elsewhere in the NFL, Boston College running back Kyle Robichaux has signed with the Detroit Lions, while tight end Kamari Moralesis joined the Miami Dolphins. On the defensive side, defensive lineman Cam Horsley landed with the Tennessee Titans, while linebacker Kam Arnold inked a deal with the Washington Commanders.
USA Today
26-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Dallas Cowboys NFL draft picks 2025: Full list of team's round-by-round selections
Dallas Cowboys NFL draft picks 2025: Full list of team's round-by-round selections Show Caption Hide Caption NFL Draft: Sanders falls out of Round 1, Jags take Travis Hunter at No. 2 USA TODAY Sports' Mackenzie Salmon breaks down the biggest storylines from Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Sports Pulse The Cowboys are synonymous with high expectations every offseason. Unfortunately, Dallas received a heaping scoop of injuries to key players on both sides of the ball in 2024, which dampened those lofty goals. Their 7-10 record was their worst finish since 2020. Similarly to that season, they played most of it without quarterback Dak Prescott. The star signal-caller for "America's Team" was placed on injured reserve with a season-ending hamstring injury after just eight games in 2024. Preceding 2024, the Cowboys put together three consecutive 12-5 seasons but have failed to make it past the divisional round since they won the Super Bowl in 1995. The core on offense of Prescott and All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is elite but there are plenty of holes to be plugged throughout the roster. Dallas will look to the draft to add more pieces to the puzzle for a team that's once again in win-now mode. NFL DRAFT QB RANKINGS: Top 10 players at position for 2025 The Cowboys parted ways with head coach Mike McCarthy after the regular season and hired offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer as their new head coach. The team hopes its offseason switch will bring new life to the franchise and avoid a 30-year Super Bowl drought. Of course, Dallas has been frugal and reluctant to spend in free agency to upgrade its roster. The retooling process will continue during the 2025 NFL draft, where the Cowboys have ten selections. Dallas owns the 12th overall pick in the draft – their highest in the draft order since 2021. Here's everything to know about the Cowboys' draft outlook ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft: The Cowboys have ten picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Here's the complete list: Round 1: Pick 12: IOL Tyler Booker, Alabama Analysis from USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis: The All-American's combination of leadership and nastiness could be made to order for a flashy organization that might need a kick in the pants. Booker didn't test well athletically at the combine (5.38 40-yard dash), but his intangibles apparently made him too enticing – and a logical fit given the recent retirement of All-Pro G Zack Martin. All the news on and off the field: Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter for NFL content. Shop Tyler Booker Dallas Cowboys jersey Round 2: Pick 44: OLB/DE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College Analysis from USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis: The 2024 ACC Defensive Player of the Year posted 16½ sacks (second most in FBS) and 20½ TFLs last (third in FBS) season. And it's not like a defense can ever have enough pass rushers, but it's certainly nice to have a productive weapon opposite All-Pro DE Micah Parsons. The main knocks on Ezeiruaku are size (6-3, 248) and power. Round 3: Pick 76: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina Analysis from USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis: Potentially first-round ability at third-round value here, Revel dropping here after suffering a torn ACL last year. But he was stellar in 2023 and could find an immediate role in nickel packages for Dallas. Round 5: Pick 149 Round 5: Pick 174 (compensatory pick) Round 6: Pick 204 (Lions via Bills from trade for CB Kaiir Elam) Round 6: Pick 211 (compensatory pick) Round 7: Pick 217 (Titans via Patriots from trade for QB Joe Milton) Round 7: Pick 239 (Packers via Titans from trade for LB Kenneth Murray) Round 7: Pick 247 (Chiefs via Panthers from trade for WR Jonathan Mingo) Cowboys 2025 NFL Draft needs Wide receiver Dallas ranked first or second in points per game for four consecutive seasons heading into 2024. They ranked 18th with Prescott healthy under center in eight games. Prescott posted a career-worst passer rating (86) and QBR (45.6) in those eight games. Perhaps the addition of a top-tier talent at wide receiver is what the offense needs to return to form. Brandin Cooks signed with the Saints in free agency, leaving special teams maven KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Tolbert to battle for the No. 2 wide receiver spot opposite CeeDee Lamb. The top receiver according to most scouts is the big-bodied Tetairoa McMillan, but he appears poised to be selected inside the top 10. Matthew Golden out of Texas could be another option in the first round if the team wants to add a speedster. He ran the fastest 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine (4.29 seconds). Running back The Cowboys' leading rusher from 2024, Rico Dowdle, signed with the Panthers as a free agent. The Cowboys reacted by agreeing to one-year deals with Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in free agency. The veteran duo should bring stability but are not long-term solutions. Williams showed promise early on as a former second-rounder but a devastating knee injury in his second season capped his ceiling. He could bounce back in a prove-it year, but Dallas would be wise to find an upgrade over him to take some pressure off the passing game. Ashton Jeanty or Omarion Hampton could draw consideration with the 12th pick while TreVeyon Henderson could be a second-round option. Cornerback The Cowboys finished 31st in points per game allowed last year. Dallas also needs to add on both sides of the ball in the trenches but the secondary was a glaring issue last season. An All-Pro cornerback in 2021, Trevon Diggs missed the 2023 season with a torn ACL and then suffered the same fate in December 2024. He will likely miss the start of the season and fellow starter Jourdan Lewis signed with the Jaguars in free agency. With the uncertainty surrounding Diggs' health, Dallas needs to add talent to pair with DaRon Bland. Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron would be a reach at pick 12 but Michigan standout Will Johnson would be an ideal fit for outside corner. Some options in the second round could be Azareye'h Thomas, Maxwell Hairston or Trey Amos. Cowboys 2025 NFL mock draft Here's what the Cowboys could do come draft night, according to USA TODAY Sports' Ayrton Ostly: Round 1, Pick 12: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State Dallas secures the top running back in a loaded class after scoring a league-low six rushing touchdowns in 2024. Jeanty will be a bell-cow at the next level with more potential as a receiver than he showed in college. (44): 76) (149) , (171) , (174) (204) s, (211) (239) , (247) Round 2, Pick 44: G Tyler Booker, Alabama Dallas lost Hall of Fame guard Zack Martin to retirement this offseason. Booker isn't an athletic guard, but his mauling and powerful presence should ease the loss of a franchise icon. Round 3, Pick 76: WR Isaiah Bond, Texas Round 5, Pick 149: CB Marcus Harris, Cal Round 5, Pick 174: DL Vernon Broughton, Texas Round 6, Pick 204: CB Robert Longerbeam, Rutgers Round 6, Pick 211: WR Elijah Badger, Florida Round 7, Pick 217: G Addison West, Western Michigan Round 7, Pick 239: Edge Devin Vann, N.C. State Round 7, Pick 247: LB Jack Kiser, Notre Dame 2025 NFL Draft: Every team's picks
USA Today
26-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Highlights from new Cowboys defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku
Highlights from new Cowboys defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku Day 2 of the 2025 NFL draft started when the Cleveland Browns took a linebacker some compared to former Cowboys LB Sean Lee. The Legion of Boom was reincarnated in Seattle when the Seahawks jumped up to grab safety Nick Emmanwouri. Both Ohio State running backs were taken all before Dallas went on the clock with selection No. 44, but the wait was worth it. The edge terror out of Boston College, Donovan Ezeraku was considered by some to be a first-round pick. He now finds himself in the best possible situation, lining up on the opposite side of Cowboys superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons. The Philadelphia native racked up 16.5 sacks and was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year. A peek at his highlights lets fans understand why the Cowboys selected him. Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
CBS News
26-04-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Cowboys aim to strengthen defense with key picks on Day 2 of 2025 NFL Draft
The Dallas Cowboys focused on strengthening their defense on the second day of the 2025 NFL Draft, a day after selecting Alabama guard Tyler Booker with the 12th overall pick in the first round. Boston, MA - March 24: Boston College DE Donovan Ezeiruaku spoke to the media during the 2025 Boston College Football Pro Day at Fish Field House. Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images On Friday, the Cowboys selected edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku from Boston College in the second round (44th overall) and cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. from East Carolina in the third round (76th overall). Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 248 pounds, Ezeiruaku was awarded the prestigious Ted Hendricks Award for the best defensive end in college football. In 2024, he earned consensus All-American honors and was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He also secured a spot on the first-team All-ACC in 2024 and the second-team All-ACC in 2023. Ezeiruaku proved to be an effective pass rusher, amassing 16.5 sacks in the 2024 season. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 27: Shavon Revel Jr. #DB27 of East Carolina speaks at the podium during the 2025 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 27, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Brooke Sutton / Getty Images Meanwhile, the 6-foot-1, 194-pound Revel Jr. was a second-team All-American Athletic Conference selection in 2023. Revel began his college career playing in six games at Louisburg College in 2020. He transferred to East Carolina University in December 2021. At East Carolina, Revel earned second-team all-AAC recognition in 2023. He returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown against Appalachian State in 2024 but suffered a torn ACL in practice, sidelining him for the rest of the season. He declared for the 2025 NFL Draft in November 2024. A track and field athlete, Revel provides depth for the Cowboys at cornerback.
CBS News
26-04-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Boston College's Donovan Ezeiruaku drafted by Cowboys in 2nd round of NFL Draft
Donovan Ezeiruaku didn't have to wait long to hear his name called in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Boston College edge rusher was drafted 44th overall by the Dallas Cowboys on Friday. Ezeiruaku was a monster over his four seasons at Chestnut Hill, as he racked up 30 sacks over 47 games for the Eagles. He led the ACC with 16.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss as a senior in 2024, to go along with a career-best 80 combined tackles and three forced fumbles. Those 16.5 sacks tied Harold Landry for the most sacks by a Boston College player in a single season. Ezeiruaku was a consensus All-American, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and won the Ted Hendricks Awards -- given to the best defensive end in college football -- after his incredible 2024 season. At 6-foot-2 and 248 pounds, Ezeiruaku was one of the smaller edge rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft. But he is quick and explosive off the line, and will now get after quarterbacks in the NFL alongside Micah Parsons in Dallas. Boston College in 2025 NFL Draft Ezeiruaku shouldn't be the only Eagle to hear his name this draft season. Right tackle Ozzy Trapilo is expected to be drafted sometime on Day 2. The Norwell native was First-Team All ACC in 2024, and started 36 of the 44 games he played for Boston College. Fellow Norwell native Drew Kendall, who started 37 games for the Eagles at center over the last three seasons, is projected to be taken in the fourth round on Saturday. Defensive tackle Cam Horsley, who was Third-Team All ACC after racking up 42 tackles for the Eagles, is projected to in Rounds 6 or 7 on Saturday.
