Dallas Cowboys landed major NFL Draft 'steal' in second round

According to Pro Football Focus, the Dallas Cowboys landed a steal on Day 2 of the NFL Draft.
Boston College Eagles defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku rushes the passer against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Boston College Eagles defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku rushes the passer against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys surprised many with their strategy during the 2025 NFL Draft over the weekend, electing to address the trenches in the first two rounds, rather than the positions that many believed to be major needs on the roster.

In Round 1, Dallas addressed the offensive line with guard Tyler Booker out of Alabama, shoring up their interior after the loss of Zack Martin. Meanwhile, in Round 2, they addressed the edge position with Donovan Ezeiruaku out of Boston College.

MORE: Cowboys legend urges Dallas to sign former All-Pro running back

And according to Pro Football Focus, Ezeiruaku might have been one of Day 2's biggest steals across the league.

Boston College Eagles defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku reacts after a sack against the Pittsburgh Panthers
Boston College Eagles defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku reacts after a sack against the Pittsburgh Panthers / Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

"Although Ezeiruaku may lack the size and power of some other edge defenders in the class, his length and capability as a quick, smooth-moving pass rusher earned him a top-20 rank on PFF's big board as EDGE3. His 196 snaps versus true pass sets last season are the most in the class, and he earned a 90.7 PFF pass-rush grade with a 25.8% pass-rush win rate on those plays."

"The positives continue for Ezeiruaku as a run defender, where he profiles as a savvy addition to boost a struggling Cowboys front. Dallas surrendered the most expected points added per rush in 2024. Ezeiruaku's 83.6 PFF run-defense grade placed him in the 91st percentile at the position this past season."

MORE: Jaydon Blue jersey number has special meaning for former Cowboys fan favorite

Even outside of the PFF stats, Ezeiruaku was still an absolute menace to opposing offenses. Last season with the Eagles, he amassed 80 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 16.5 sacks, leading the conference in each of the latter two categories.

And if he can bring that kind of impact - even if its not all in the statbook - to the Cowboys opposite of Micah Parsons in the pass rush, as well as hold up in the run game at 6-foot-2, 240 pounds, Dallas could have a future star on their hands.

Boston College Eagles defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku in action during the game between the SMU Mustangs.
Boston College Eagles defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku in action during the game between the SMU Mustangs. / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI 

Dallas Cowboys' way-too-early 2026 NFL mock draft

3 notable cut candidates for Dallas Cowboys after NFL Draft

Cowboys had 2 of top 5 NFL Draft value picks on Day 2, per advanced analytics

Cowboys ‘more than probable’ to add veteran WR, per team insider

Meet Madeline Salter: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader


Published
Matt Galatzan
MATT GALATZAN

Senior Editor/Columnist