With the 12th pick of the 2nd round of 2025 NFL Draft, Donovan Ezeiruaku has heard his name called in Round 2 by the Dallas Cowboys.
He is the 44th overall pick and fifth edge rusher taken in this year’s class. Four defensive ends were selected in the first round yesterday.
Donovan Ezeiruaku’s tenure at Boston College stands as one of the most decorated and impactful in the program’s recent history. His journey from promising freshman to consensus All-American and national award winner is a testament to the tradition of defensive excellence on Chestnut Hill.
In 2022, Ezeiruaku had his first breakout campaign as a sophomore. He emerged as a defensive force, starting all 12 games and earning All-ACC Second Team honors. He led the team with 8.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss, while also recording 61 total tackles and three forced fumbles—establishing himself as a premier pass rusher in the ACC.
After a challenging junior year, Ezeiruaku exploded in his senior season, Bill O’Brien’s first at BC. He delivered one of the strongest defensive performances in Boston College history. His 16.5 sacks tied Harold Landry’s BC single-season record and was second in the FBS. He accumulated 80 total tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss (first in the ACC, second nationally), 15 quarterback hits, three forced fumbles, league leading 60 pressures, and won games virtually on his own.
On the awards and recognition front, Ezeiruaku’s 2024 campaign was recognized across the board. He was awarded the Ted Hendricks Award for the nation’s top defensive end). He was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year. As mentioned, he was a Consensus First-Team All-American (the 13th in BC history and first since 2013). His 28 career sacks put him second behind Mathias Kiwanuka on the all time BC list.
Beyond the stat sheet, Ezeiruaku’s impact was felt in his leadership as a two-time team captain and his versatility—contributing on special teams and in coverage, and serving as a model teammate and locker room presence. He finished his career as one of the best pass rushers in Eagles lore, renowned for his technical skill, relentless motor, and football IQ.