2025 NFL Draft Prospect Analysis: Edge Rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
A closer look at Boston College Eagles edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku as he prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft.
With NFL Free Agency winding down, all 32 teams are shifting their focus to the upcoming draft. The Chicago Bears are expected to be particularly active, holding four picks within the top 75 selections. General manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have ample opportunities to bolster their roster with high-impact talent.
This year’s draft features one of the deepest edge rusher classes in recent memory, making it a prime opportunity for Poles and Johnson to reinforce the team’s pass rush. Holding two second-round picks (No. 39 and No. 41), the Bears could add another edge rusher to complement Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, and 2024 fifth-round pick Austin Booker, creating a well-balanced rotation for defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
Given their ties to Boston College, Poles and Johnson may consider selecting Donovan Ezeiruaku. While slightly undersized compared to other edge rushers in this draft, his athleticism and versatility make him an intriguing option for Chicago.
Scouting Report: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College (6’2″, 248 lbs)
Analysis (via NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein)
Ezeiruaku is an undersized outside linebacker suited for a 3-4 defense. He compensates for his smaller frame with long arms, exceptional athleticism, and a relentless play style. His ability to separate from blockers, his quick first step, and his agility allow him to disrupt plays in the backfield. While he still needs to refine his pass-rush strategies, his skillset and competitive nature position him as a potential three-down starter at the next level.
Strengths:
- Uses his length and athleticism effectively to impact plays.
- Excellent agility and change-of-direction ability.
- Quick off the snap, making him a consistent backfield presence.
- Versatile enough to contribute in multiple defensive roles.
- Plays with a physical edge, which is evident on tape.
- Possesses a solid arsenal of pass-rush moves to counter various offensive linemen.
Weaknesses:
- Lacks ideal size, which could hurt his draft stock.
- Needs to improve his gap discipline to maximize his effectiveness.
- Struggles to set the edge against larger offensive tackles.
- Inconsistent burst, which is apparent on film.
- Has difficulty converting speed into power, limiting his effectiveness against stronger blockers.
Final Thoughts
Ezeiruaku is a divisive prospect. He boasts an impressive college résumé, tallying 30 career sacks, including 16.5 in 2024, and was a cornerstone of Boston College’s defense. However, his fit at the professional level is uncertain. Some teams may see him as a 3-4 outside linebacker, while others could project him as a 4-3 defensive end.
His smaller frame and concerns about his strength could cause him to slide in the draft, despite his athletic upside. While he has the tools to succeed, his draft position will likely depend on which teams believe they can maximize his skill set at the next level.
