The Dallas Cowboys’ protection has struggled with consistency all through the 2025 season, drawing criticism as one of many league’s weaker models. Nonetheless, particular person performances throughout the group have supplied causes for optimism.
Rookie edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku has emerged as a standout, providing a glimpse of what the Cowboys secured with the forty fourth general decide within the 2025 NFL Draft.
Ezeiruaku entered the draft because the 2024 ACC sack chief and was projected as a late first-round choice. Dallas capitalized on his slide to land him within the second spherical.
Initially anticipated to work alongside Micah Parsons, the rookie assumed an expanded position after the staff traded its star move rusher. His manufacturing in current weeks has positioned him among the many best first-year defenders within the NFL.
“Donovan Ezeiruaku’s stat rankings amongst rookies: T-1st in Sacks (3), 2nd in TFLs (6), T-1st in FF’s (1).” Cowboys Muse shared on X.
Donovan Ezeiruaku’s stat rankings amongst rookies:
— T-1st in Sacks (3)
— 2nd in TFLs (6)
— T-1st in FF’s (1)And we acquired him within the 2nd. pic.twitter.com/r8uSgITaPk
— CowboysMuse (@Cowboys_Muse_) November 7, 2025
By 9 weeks, Ezeiruaku has compiled 20 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, and one pressured fumble. His affect extends past the field rating. Professional Soccer Focus credit him with a 75.7 pass-rush grade, which edges out New York Giants edge rusher Abdul Carter at 75.6.
Carter was chosen third general and held the early benefit because the draft class’s premier move rusher, however Ezeiruaku has closed that hole with regular enchancment. Each of his sacks have come throughout the final three weeks, reflecting his growth because the season progresses.
That development earned him his first profession begin in Week 9, signaling elevated belief from the teaching employees.
For a fan base adjusting to the Parsons commerce, Ezeiruaku represents a possible cornerstone on the defensive entrance. His mixture of burst, closing pace, and energy gives the kind of affect Dallas misplaced within the commerce.
The rookie’s trajectory suggests he might present long-term worth that extends nicely past his first season.
The submit Stats Present How Cowboys Defender Is Dominating appeared first on The Chilly Wire.
