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Donovan Ezeiruaku Offseason Could Be Big Development For Cowboys' Defense
Donovan Ezeiruaku Offseason Could Be Big Development For Cowboys' Defense originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Different players on the Dallas Cowboys defense have taken their turns having breakout campaigns in recent seasons. Micah Parsons lit up the league in his rookie season and Trevon Diggs nabbed a staggering 11 interceptions in 2021.
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Da'Ron Bland then entered the spotlight in 2023, setting the NFL record for pick-sixes in a season. Last year it was DeMarvion Overshown who provided an explosion and burst at the linebacker position that the Cowboys have missed for some time.
These impressive showings all came from players young in their careers yet foundational pieces on the Dallas defense. So the obvious follow up is then... who's next?
The Cowboys added several impressive defensive pieces through the draft and free agency. But one stood out in terms of the overall excitement from the team and the fan base.
Second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku had a first-round grade on some boards before falling to the Cowboys at No. 44 overall. Thus far, the enticing attributes of his profile have translated to the team's offseason programs and head coach Brian Schottenheimer has taken note.
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'He's doing really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really great. You can't watch the guy and not get excited just watching him do the things that we're doing out there on the grass, the things that we saw coming out of Boston College. And then the work ethic is elite.'
There's plenty of buzz behind Ezeiruaku. Can he maintain that through the rest of summer and into training camp?
Assuming the Cowboys finish Parsons' extension and he is back on the field for good, they are not completely void of pass rushing talent. They also return Dante Fowler Jr. after a brief stint with the Washington Commanders where he had 10.5 sacks.
There's not a pressing need for Ezeiruaku to figure it all out in his rookie season. But it's hard to imagine a player who had 16.5 sacks at the Power 4 level a few months ago cannot find a way to contribute immediately on the professional stage.
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The attention Parsons draws will create opportunities for others on the defensive front. Ezeiruaku is the ideal candidate to benefit from that extra attention.
Dallas has to tie up some loose ends with regard to his rookie contract, but once that is complete, the Cowboys could be looking at their next defensive star and another breakout campaign.
Related: Ex Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer Scores Unexpected Prize
Related: Micah Parsons Gets Major Endorsement For Contract Extension
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
