Latest news with #Ezeiruaku
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Micah Parsons Sends Crucial Message To Cowboys Rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku
The Dallas Cowboys had a solid draft class, with a host of potential starters selected. The franchise managed to find not only the right type of players but also characters who bring leadership qualities to the team. While Tyler Booker took the limelight as Dallas' pick in the first round, one player with whom the NFL media and fans are over the moon is Boston College's Donovan Ezeiruaku, who was taken in the second round. Advertisement Coming off a year that saw him register 16.5 sacks and a whopping 21 tackles for loss in just 12 games to earn All-American honors. Seen as an edge rusher more than an interior defensive lineman, coming to a unit that already has Micah Parsons, Dante Fowler Jr., Sam Williams, and Marshawn Kneeland, "Eze" knows he'll be able to contribute. "I think I'll fit," Ezeiruaku said with a smile. "I think I'll be able to contribute, it always helps when you got guys on both sides and then in the middle that can pass rush or have a knack for the football, I think I'll be adding great value to that, and I'm very excited.' Donovan Ezeiruaku To CowboysBy Tony Fisher The second-round pick might not be a starter for Matt Eberflus, more of a top-of-the-rotation player, but it is clear he knows what he'll be able to bring when he does get his chance in 2025. Advertisement Oh, and it's clear that Micah Parsons is already involved, too. Ezeiruaku has revealed that the All-Pro Parsons contacted him after he was selected, telling the rookie, "Let's get to work!'' From "Easy'': "He reached out after the draft, he said 'Let's get to work,' and I said 'Let's do it.' I'm excited, having somebody of that caliber on the other side of the field, it'll be very special to see." With rookie minicamp underway, Ezeiruaku is getting the lay of the land before the proper football stuff begins in the coming months, and also learning the playbook. But it is a good first step, getting into the building and having that chemistry be built this offseason, so that when his time does come, like Parsons and Fowler Jr., can then go quarterback hunting. Advertisement He knows he'll fit, it's just a matter of where, and for Cowboys fans, having Eze flying off the edge with Parsons on the other side is a tantalizing thought for 2025. Related: Cowboys Sign 'Immediate Starter' Booker with $13 Million Bonus Related: Cowboys Dak Shares Emotional Mental Health Message to Kids
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cowboys Rookie Sack Artist Announces New Nickname
FRISCO - Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku has a couple of announcements to make. Yes, his 16.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss for Boston College last season counts as an announcement of sorts. Advertisement But this is the NFL. Different-level stuff. This NFL Draft's second-round pick talks the talk as he paints the picture of a defender who takes quarterbacks' souls for fun. But first he needs an identity here ... And on Friday at Cowboys rookie minicamp, he did something about that, telling us he'd like to go by the nickname, "Easy.'' "Too many 'Donovan's' around here,' he joked. Of course, there is the other reason, too. But we're working on that. Ezz-AH-rah-koo. And now the other thing, the football thing ... We saw last season when Dallas couldn't stop the run, the likes of Micah Parsons and others couldn't get after the quarterback. But stop the run and the flood gates could open. Advertisement And for Ezeiruaku, while his pass rushing talents are well-known, he knows everything starts and stops with what has been Dallas' biggest Achilles heel for years. "I take a whole lot of pride in it," Ezeiruaku said via "That's something that I understand that you cannot get the pass rush going until you stop to run on first or second down. I played for a tough D-line coach at B.C., who also took a lot of great care of that run [defense] because he was also our run defense coordinator. "We need to stop the run. We've gotta put our nose in there and take on blocks and strike blockers, just to get to that ball on first and second down." Last season, the Cowboys' defense under Mike Zimmer allowed 137.1 rushing yards per game (fourth-worst), and that was with Dallas also having 52 sacks (third-best). Advertisement So they don't necessarily go hand-in-hand, but Ezeiruaku knows that if the defense can stop the run, he, Micah, Marshawn Kneeland, Sam Williams and company can then get after the quarterback. Yes, the sack numbers are good on paper, but the real work begins in the trenches, and it's clear which one Ezeiruaku is prioritizing in his rookie year. Stop the run to set up sacks. It's a good plan - and a bit of a surprising promise. ... So, now go execute it - "Easy!'' Related: Cowboys Sign 'Immediate Starter' Booker with $13 Million Bonus Related: Cowboys' Micah 'Hurt' Then Hyped Over 'Not Love Football' Draft Pick
USA Today
27-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Cowboys' draft grades show consistently high marks, including rare A+ from PFF
Cowboys' draft grades show consistently high marks, including rare A+ from PFF The Cowboys' last few draft classes were met with a collective shrug from many of the big national outlets. Early picks like Tyler Guyton, Mazi Smith, Luke Schoonmaker, Jalen Tolbert, and Kelvin Joseph didn't exactly move the needle with the experts in the moment, and they still haven't quite overcome the watered-down expectations that were reflected in the team's post-draft grades. This year is off to a different start, with draft publications across the board giving Dallas outstanding marks for their nine-player haul. The Cowboys didn't grab any of the high-profile wide receivers or running backs in the early rounds- and they're still in desperate need of a true WR2 threat- but they made three days' worth of very solid picks that fill needs, fit the system, and show where new head coach Brian Schottenheimer and his staff want to place emphasis heading into the 2025 season. The team even earned a rare A+ from Pro Football Focus, a source that typically tends to look for reasons to rain on the Cowboys' parade. How the newest Cowboys live up to these grades- and whether it makes for an improvement in the team's overall performance- remains to be seen, obviously, but for now, let's celebrate a pretty stellar post-draft report card. Here's a look at how some of the national outlets graded the Cowboys' 2025 draft. USA Today: B+ Link It might not have been exactly what the fan base was hoping for – Jeanty – but owner Jerry Jones and his front office generally do a pretty solid job this time of year. Aside from being a bully on the field, first-round G Tyler Booker not only fills a need but could provide fresh leadership in the locker room in time. Second-round DE Donovan Ezeiruaku and third-round CB Shavon Revel Jr. were certainly worthy of being taken a round earlier than they were. Fifth-round RB Jaydon Blue brings sub-4.4 speed if not the background to suggest he can shoulder the load on the ground. Receiving depth behind WR CeeDee Lamb still looms as a significant question. New York Post: B Link A touchdown-scorer was needed, but the Cowboys are trying to recapture their great line of the 2010s with three first-round picks since 2022 (Booker, Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith). Revel is a bargain if his torn ACL rehab checks out. Ezeiruaku reminds some of the departed DeMarcus Lawrence. PFF: A+ Link Booker — Zack Martin's retirement in March left a hole on the Cowboys' interior offensive line. Booker, the 48th-ranked prospect on the PFF Big Board, profiles as a bit of a reach but a talent who fills a definite need up front in Dallas. The Alabama guard earned an 86.5 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2024, which will provide an instant boost to a Cowboys offense that ranked 23rd in PFF pass-blocking grade (62.1) this past season. Ezeiruaku — Situated at 17 on the PFF Big Board, Ezeiruaku profiles as a significant value for the Cowboys here. The Boston College standout maintains a solid grading profile, particularly against true pass sets, where he clocked the most snaps of any edge rusher in the 2025 class (196), earning a 90.7 PFF pass-rushing grade and a 25.8% pass rush win rate. Revel — Shavon Revel was the No. 44 player on the PFF Big Board, so his selection represents great value for the Cowboys at No. 76. Revel is a tall outside corner with back-to-back seasons with coverage grades above 80 (80.5 in 2023 and 84.0 in 2024). Blue — The Cowboys finally address the running back position and get solid value with Jaydon Blue. After two seasons being stuck behind elite running back talent at Texas, Blue got his chance to be the featured back. Blue struggled with fumbles a bit, putting the ball on the ground four times while losing three of them. However, he showcased some elusiveness, forcing 37 missed tackles on 140 rushing attempts. Link CBS Sports: B Link After some highly questionable drafts of late, Jerry and Stephen Jones -- and Will McClay -- have totally redeemed themselves in 2025. Ok, so I didn't love the Tyler Booker selection at No. 12 overall due to his athletic deficiencies. But I will acknowledge guard was a monster need on this offense. Beyond that, Ezeiruaku was picked at proper value and gives Micah Parsons a new, young running mate on the edge. Revel was a sensational find at No. 76, and Blue has serious juice when there's a lane out of the backfield. James is raw but smooth in a three-down role. The Cowboys got noticeably better this weekend. I do wonder what the plan is at outside receiver, though. Pro Football & Sports Network: B+ Link Some of the Cowboys' picks may have been polarizing in the heat of the moment, but their composite class ended up looking a lot stronger than anticipated. Anchored by a superb early-round slate, the Cowboys' rookie class has a chance to make an impact right away. The Tyler Booker selection is simple. He's not an elite athlete, but he's an elite competitor with the size, technique, and IQ to last a long time as an NFL starter. Donovan Ezeiruaku has instant value as a pass-rush specialist, and Shavon Revel can help form a top-tier CB trio with Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, if he can stay healthy. The Cowboys' performance dipped slightly on Day 3, mainly with a fifth-round reach for an unathletic, inconsistent linebacker in Shemar James. But overall, the Cowboys utilized their capital well. Jaydon Blue is a sparkplug at RB, and the rest of the Day 3 additions provide solid depth. This Cowboys class could help the team set off on the right foot with Brian Schottenheimer. The Ringer: A- Link I really liked what the Cowboys did this weekend in adding a handful of early contributors to their roster. Alabama guard Tyler Booker will help solidify their interior offensive line and should provide clean pockets for Dak Prescott and run lanes for the team's backs. Boston College's Donovan Ezeiruaku is a slippery, productive pass rusher who should pair excellently with Micah Parsons off the edge. East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel has top-tier upside as a big, long outside corner with ball skills and instincts in coverage. And Texas running back Jaydon Blue adds top-tier speed to the team's backfield, giving the Cowboys a home run hitter at the position. All in all, a solid haul. A- Link The Cowboys bypassed the available offensive skill-position players and defensive talent at No. 12 to replace the retired Zack Martin with Booker. The former Alabama guard is a proven starter out of the SEC, but he did not impress in athletic testing this spring. Ezeiruaku projects as the next Demarcus Lawrence, while Revel could be a nice Day 2 find if he's able to stay healthy (coming off an ACL tear). I dropped Dallas' grade slightly because they traded their fourth-round pick to Carolina for Jonathan Mingo last year, a move that has not paid off so far. They proved they could find running backs late, however, picking the speedy Blue in Round 5 and the strong Mafah in Round 7. I understood why they decided to trade up for James. I expect him to earn a starting role in Dallas. Cornelius could play guard or tackle for the Cowboys, while Toia and Akingbesote will help stop the run. Yahoo Sports: A Link The Cowboys were able to fill some needs with players who might be able to make serious impacts as rookies. Guard Tyler Booker, pass rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku and cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. have a chance to be instant impact starters with long-term upside for the Cowboys. Dallas added three players whom many draft analysts had as first-round prospects without trading assets to acquire them. Good process. Hopefully good results for what Dallas was able to pull off. Most interesting pick: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama Dallas continued its love for drafting offensive linemen in the first round with the bruising guard from Alabama. Some viewed this as a reach, but Booker is a high-floor player who can form a hellacious interior group with guard Tyler Smith and center Cooper Beebe. If Tyler Guyton (wow, a lot of Tylers here) takes the next step, Dallas could have one of the best offensive lines in the league again. Sporting News: A Link Jerry Jones didn't end up with a wide receiver or tight end to help Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, but it was OK to table that position in lieu of boosting others. Booker is a great replacement for Zack Martin, and Cornelius has starting potential inside or out for their offensive line. Blue is their kind of speedy, power runner, and Ezeiruaku and Revel were absolute steals, given both could have gone at the end of the first round. Dallas addressed most key weaknesses as it tries to become tougher overall. Touchdown Wire: B Link They reached for Tyler Booker in the first round, but he still fills a position of need. Landing both Donovan Ezeiruaku and Shavon Revel on Day Two was arguably the best duo of picks on Friday of any team. They didn't add a receiver, though, which they still desperately need. Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dallas Cowboys add pass rusher in Round 2 of 2025 NFL Draft
FRISCO (SILVER STAR NATION) — America's Team made their first of two picks on the second day of the 2025 NFL Draft, taking one of the top pass rushers remaining. With the 44th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Donovan Ezeiruaku, a defensive end from Boston College. 2025 NFL DRAFT: Cowboys take top offensive guard in Round 1 of 2025 NFL Draft Height — 6'2″ Weight — 248 pounds Wingspan — 82.75 inches Vertical Jump — 35.5 inches 3-Cone Drill — 6.94 seconds 20-Yard Shuttle — 4.19 seconds Bench Press — 22 reps Year TotalTackles Tackles For Loss TotalSacks Forced Fumbles 2021 21 4 3 0 2022 61 14.5 8.5 3 2023 53 6.5 2 2 2024 80 20.5 16.5 3 TOTAL 215 45.5 30 8 Ezeiruaku's physical traits don't necessarily jump off the page. He's not overly tall, he's not overly heavy, and he didn't participate in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. According to NFL analysts, he has below-average speed and strength. However, Ezeiruaku's production is undeniable. He finished in the top three college football edge rushers in both sacks and tackles for loss. He was named a consensus All-American in his senior season at Boston College. He tied the school's single-season record for sacks as well. Furthermore, Ezeiruaku led all of college football with 1.38 sacks per game in 2024 and was the recipient of the Ted Hendricks Award, given to the best defensive end in the country. It's not just Ezeiruaku's production in college that led the Cowboys to select him with the 44th overall pick. He started 36 consecutive games for Boston College, and in his final two seasons, he was a team captain. Much like the Cowboys' first-round pick, Tyler Booker, Ezeiruaku is a high-character leader who loves the game of football. Ezeiruaku excels as a pass rusher, but he's not the best defender against the run. He's not a strong mauler, so he may get beaten by an NFL-level offensive lineman. His ability to pursue a defender is also lackluster, and he's been beaten by mobile quarterbacks. According to Ezeiruaku is projected to become a good NFL starting defensive end within his first two seasons. Despite the questions that may exist with him, he's got enough talent to become a starter in the NFL. The second day of the 2025 NFL Draft will continue, with the third round beginning after all teams have made their second-round selection. Barring any trades involving Dallas, the Cowboys have eight more picks remaining in the 2025 NFL Draft, including one more on Friday, April 25: Round Pick Overall Notes 3 12 76 5 11 149 5 36 174 Compensatory 6 28 204 From DET by CLE, BUF 6 35 211 Compensatory 7 1 217 From NE 7 23 239 From GB by TEN 7 31 247 From KC by CAR Silver Star Nation will be providing in-depth coverage of all of the Dallas Cowboys' picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. KFDX Sports Director Tobin McDuff and Sports Anchor M.J. Baird will be at The Star in Frisco, providing live coverage and reactions as each pick is made. Reporter Josh Hoggard will publish in-depth analysis of each new player added to the Cowboys 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
26-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
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!
