The Baltimore Ravens ranked second in the league in sacks last season with 54 but could still use some help with their pass rush. The sacks-by-committee approach worked out for the Ravens until it didn't, failing to register one in their playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills.
As good as Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh were last year, the problem remains—they just don't have a consistent threat to disrupt the opposing quarterback's timing, and that's where Boston College's Donovan Ezeiruaku comes into play.
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He may not be the biggest in the class, but he’s one of the most technically refined and productive pass rushers in the draft. With a deep bag of pass-rush moves, natural bend, and the motor this Ravens defense demands, Ezeiruaku has all the tools to carve out a role early.
If Baltimore wants to add a reliable pass-rush presence with long-term upside, this is the kind of pick that makes sense. Here's our scouting profile on the talented pass rusher.
Boston College EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Notes
- Height: 6-foot-2
- Weight: 247 pounds
- Recruiting: 2021 3-star, No. 1,240 national, No. 132 LB
- First-Team All-ACC (2024), Second-Team All-ACC (2022)
- Ranked second in FBS in sacks in 2024 (16.5)
Positives
- Fluid, flexible pass-rusher with natural bend and the ability to corner cleanly off the edge
- Well-developed pass-rush arsenal, featuring moves like the euro-step, dip-rip, and ghost that keep tackles off-balance
- Plays with great effort and energy, consistently working to finish plays and disrupt the pocket
- Disciplined against option looks and shows good instincts when left unblocked or tasked with reading in space
Ezeiruaku has a natural feel for rushing the passer. He’s flexible, controlled, and has the kind of bend that allows him to flatten around the edge and finish. His hands are advanced, too, with a full toolkit of pass-rush moves—cross-chop, ghost, arm-over—and the ability to string them together.
His motor is another standout trait. He’s relentless and keeps coming, even when the rep isn’t clean. Against zone reads and misdirection plays, he shows good discipline and rarely looks out of place. There’s also alignment versatility in his game, with the ability to stand up or play with his hand in the dirt. Coaches will love his effort and polish.
Negatives
- Undersized for the position and can get overwhelmed by bigger, stronger offensive tackles
- Struggles to convert speed into power, limiting his ability to collapse the pocket when his first move doesn’t land
- Can be too quick to slip around blocks in the run game, occasionally leaving contain or opening rush lanes
Unfortunately the biggest concern with Ezeiruaku is nothing he can control: his size. At 6’2”, 248 pounds, he lacks the bulk and anchor strength to consistently hold up against bigger tackles in the run game. He can get overwhelmed at the point of attack and isn’t the type of edge who’s going to reset the line of scrimmage.
He also struggles to convert his speed into power. While he flashes quickness and bend, there are times when he stalls out if his first move doesn’t land. Against the run, he has a habit of slipping around blocks instead of stacking and shedding, which can open up lanes and lead to blown assignments. He’ll need to get stronger to stay on the field for all three downs.
Donovan Ezeiruaku NFL Player Comparison: Harold Landry III
- Primary Comp: Harold Landry III
- Alternative: Uchenna Nwosu
- Floor Comp: Nick Herbig
A strong NFL comparison for Donovan Ezeiruaku is Harold Landry III... another fellow BC Eagle. Both are explosive, undersized edge defenders who win with technical precision and bend rather than brute strength.
Ezeiruaku, like Landry, thrives when given space to work the outside shoulder and can flatten around the edge with ease. Their games are built on fluid movement, quick hands, and a deep pass-rush toolbox that gives tackles all kinds of problems in one-on-one situations.
Donovan Ezeiruaku 2025 NFL Draft Grade: Late 1st/Early 2nd
Ezeiruaku is one of the most polished pass-rushers in the class, with production to match. His bend, hand usage, and motor make him a reliable pressure generator. While he’s not a three-down player yet, his pass-rush value and steady growth justify late Day 1— and early late Day 2—consideration.