The Dallas Cowboys opened the 2025 NFL Draft by addressing a pressing need, bolstering their offensive line by selecting Alabama blocker Tyler Booker with the 12th overall pick. Even though drafting an offensive lineman isn't the sexiest pick, the Cowboys needed a high-upside protector like Booker to fill the void created by Zack Martin's retirement.
Fortunately, Dallas fans didn't have to wait long to find out who will be donning the iconic star next. The Cowboys were back on the board with the draft's 44th overall selection on Day 2, which they used on the best player available.
Cowboys Drafting Donovan Ezeiruaku Spells Bad News for Sam Williams
The Cowboys bolstered their pass rush on Friday night by drafting Boston College EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku with Pick No. 44. The high-upside disruptor has often been viewed as one of the draft's top pass rushers and should feel right at home on Dallas' talented defensive line.
Donovan is coming to Dallas ⭐️@DonovanEze6 | @BCFootball #CowboysDraft | @Fanatics pic.twitter.com/mZHHIBYwFF
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) April 26, 2025
It's hard not to get excited about a prospect like Ezeiruaku. The Williamstown, NJ native just won the 2024 ACC Defensive Player of the Year Award after leading the conference in sacks (16.5) and tackles for lost yardage (21) in 12 games, leading to his also receiving consensus All-American honors.
Ezeiruaku isn't the strongest player, but his long arms, non-stop motor, and agility make him a threat on every passing down. He's the type of player the Cowboys need to further strengthen an already-strong pass rush that ranked fourth last season on Pro Football Focus.
As exciting as Ezeiruaku's arrival is, his being drafted by Dallas likely spells bad news for fellow EDGE Sam Williams.
Williams, 26, was drafted 56th overall by the Cowboys in 2022. The former Ole Miss product displayed plenty of potential to begin his NFL career, however, all momentum reached a screeching halt when Williams tore his ACL and MCL last summer, forcing him to miss the entire 2024 campaign.
Although Williams is relatively young, it isn't guaranteed when he'll play again. Knee injuries aren't a joke, and it wouldn't be surprising if it looks like he lost a step whenever he returns to the gridiron. With that in mind, the Cowboys' decision to draft Ezeiruaku as potentially insurance (if not an outright replacement) was the right call.
Time will tell if Williams can prove his worth to the Cowboys before it's too late. Dallas would save just over $1.4 million in cap space by trading or waiving him at any point this summer, highlighting Williams' need to step up or risk being replaced by Ezeiruaku.