Donovan Ezeiruaku DE/EDGE Boston College | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Donovan Ezeiruaku DE/EDGE Boston College
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
SUB-POSITION: EDGE RUSHER | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Last Updated: 10/28/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
40 time: 4.62 seconds (91%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
|
SUB-POSITION: EDGE RUSHER | |
Last Updated: 10/28/2024 | |
Draft Year: 2025 | |
40 time: 4.62 seconds (91%*) | |
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
|
Overall Rating: | 83.8 / 100 | |
---|---|---|
Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
Offense Rating: |
|
77% |
Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
Tackling: |
|
81% |
Pass Rush: |
|
86% |
Run Defense: |
|
89% |
DRAFT PROJECTION:
3rd
Overall Rank:
#80
Position rank:
#18
|
||
College Games: 44 College Snaps: 1828 | ||
|
||
|
||
|
Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
---|---|---|
BJ Ojulari - LSU |
|
89% |
Xavier Thomas - Clemson |
|
86% |
K.J. Henry - Clemson |
|
86% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Donovan Ezeiruaku enters the NFL Draft after a productive career at Boston College, where he established himself as a versatile edge defender across three seasons. The 6'2", 247-pound defensive end/outside linebacker emerged as an impact player for the Eagles' defense, culminating in 53 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles in his final season.A former three-star recruit out of Williamstown High School in New Jersey, Ezeiruaku steadily improved each season in Chestnut Hill. His sophomore campaign proved to be his statistical peak, earning Second-team All-ACC honors while leading Boston College with 8.5 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. The production showcased his development from a rotational piece as a freshman to a full-time starter.
Through 44 career games, Ezeiruaku demonstrated his durability and consistency, playing both with his hand in the dirt and as a stand-up edge rusher. His versatility became evident as he accumulated 135 total tackles, 25 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks during his collegiate career, along with multiple forced fumbles and quarterback hurries.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Exceptional bend and ankle flexion when rushing the passer, consistently showing the ability to maintain speed while cornering around offensive tackles
- Disciplined edge setter in the run game who maintains gap integrity and rarely bites on misdirection or zone-read plays
- Demonstrates above-average change of direction skills and lateral agility when pursuing ball carriers in space
- Versatile defender capable of playing multiple techniques, including traditional 4-3 DE and stand-up OLB in 3-4 schemes
- Shows natural instincts as a pass rusher with the ability to counter inside when tackles overset to the outside
- Impressive motor and effort level on every snap, consistently pursuing plays from the backside
- Reliable tackler who breaks down well in space and rarely misses when he gets his hands on ball carriers
- Experience dropping into coverage on zone blitzes adds to his scheme versatility at the next level
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Undersized frame for an NFL edge defender, particularly in the lower body, which can lead to difficulties anchoring against bigger offensive tackles
- Limited pass rush repertoire beyond speed moves, needs to develop more counters and a reliable bull rush to succeed at the next level
- Struggles to disengage quickly once offensive linemen get their hands on him, particularly against power-oriented running schemes
- Initial get-off at the snap can be inconsistent, sometimes being the last defender moving on the defensive front
- Hand usage in pass rush needs refinement, often leading with his shoulder instead of establishing proper hand placement
Scouting Report: Summary
The high-level movement skills and flexibility show up repeatedly on tape, but the lack of sand in his pants and limited power at the point of attack restrict his deployment to obvious passing downs early in his NFL career. The flashes of speed-to-power potential hint at untapped upside once his anchor develops.Natural leverage and bend skills translate immediately to third-down pass-rush packages where he can pin his ears back and attack upfield. The scheme versatility pops when studying his film - comfortable playing both as a hand-in-dirt end or standup rusher, though his frame suggests a better fit as an OLB in an odd front at the next level. The limited pass rush arsenal and inconsistent hand usage need significant development before he can be trusted as more than a designated pass rusher.
The athletic testing and production profile point to a day two selection who can contribute 15-20 snaps per game as a rookie while adding special teams value. The high-end play strength limitations may prevent him from developing into an every-down player, but his ability to bend the edge and close in space will earn him a role as a productive sub-package rusher in the right system.
How other scouting services rate Donovan Ezeiruaku (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
50.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
13.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.