Donovan Ezeiruaku NFL Draft Interview: Burning Passion For Football

Boston College EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku has established himself as a first-round selection throughout the 2025 NFL pre-draft process. Ezeiruaku was completely unstoppable on the field this past season, recording 16.5 sacks, the second-most of any D-I player. The pass-rushing standout then went to the NFL Combine and ran the fastest 3-cone (6.94) and short shuttle (4.19) of any defensive end in attendance.

Ezeiruaku recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Ezeiruaku discussed his breakout campaign, his pass-rushing arsenal, his ability to defend the run and be a three-down player, and so much more. He'll be a first-round pick in April.

JM: You recently participated in the NFL Combine. That’s every kid’s dream growing up. What was that overall experience like?

Donovan Ezeiruaku: It was a great experience. It felt surreal. Like you said, it was a dream come true. I’ve been watching the NFL Combine every year since I was seven years old. It was a great moment for me.

I remember arriving at Lucas Oil Stadium. We were doing medical checks and I walked onto that field for the first time. I was looking at the NFL Combine decor and it just hit me. It was very surreal. I had such a great experience.

JM: It was a successful trip for you. You ran the fastest 3-cone (6.94) and short shuttle (4.19) of any EDGE rusher in attendance. Those drills are usually very indicative of next-level success. You must have been thrilled with the performance.

Donovan Ezeiruaku: I was very pleased with my performance. I was training at XPE in Fort Lauderdale. They really prepared me for those drills. Like you said, my results directly correlate to what I do on the field.

I was excited to capture those results and display my skill set. It was a great outcome. At the same time, I just wanted to show what I could do and how it translates to my game. I believe I accomplished that.

JM: A 6.94 in the 3-cone highlights elite agility. You took a massive step forward this season by recording 16.5 sacks. That doesn’t even sound like a real number (laughs). What an incredible year you had. What do you think changed for you that led to that success?

Donovan Ezeiruaku: I have to give a lot of credit to head coach Bill O’Brien and his staff, especially defensive coordinator Tim Lewis and his scheme. We had a lot of fun this past season.

During the 2023 campaign, I think I put a lot of pressure on myself to get to where I am now. It wasn’t my time yet. I think that slowed me down in 2023 and I left some plays on the field. In 2024, my approach was to have fun and help my team in whichever way possible.

I chased the ball while playing freely. I didn’t overthink the game. I played loose. That’s what led to my success this past season.

JM: I'm really excited to discuss your pass-rush arsenal with you. You don't record 16.5 sacks without having a special set of moves. What do you consider to be your go-to moves and counters as a pass rusher?

Donovan Ezeiruaku: I think the film speaks for itself. Without giving too much away, I have a deep arsenal of moves. I obviously love that speed rush to the outside. Whether that’s a cross chop or the side swipe, I love using my hands to deflect the hands of the offensive tackle.

I have an overall feel for the game as a pass rusher. That plays a big role. I’m an instinctual player. I watch a lot of film to study my opponent. I think it shows on film. That’s why I was able to win so much as a pass rusher this past year.

JM: I think you did a great job developing an inside counter move this past season. Offensive tackles overset you all the time because of your ability to threaten speed to the outside.

Donovan Ezeiruaku: It goes back to me being an instinctual player. I get a feel for that throughout the game. If an offensive tackle wants to overset to protect the edge, I have the athletic ability and the instincts to counter back inside.

I’m relatively polished and smooth as a pass rusher. I understand how to beat an offensive tackle to a spot in a certain amount of steps. The inside counter move is definitely a great change-up in my arsenal, especially when my opponent wants to jump out because they’re afraid of my speed.

JM: You also had 80 tackles this past season. You were a strong defender in the run game. I think that part of your game is a little underrated. Do you feel like you're a three-down lineman at the next level?

Donovan Ezeiruaku: I know I’m an every-down defensive end, outside linebacker, or EDGE rusher at the next level. I take a lot of pride in stopping the run. I understand that you can’t rush the passer without stopping the run on first and second down. That’s very important to me.

I think that I’ve shown my ability to stop the run throughout my entire career at Boston College. I was stopping the run at a high level even before I had 80 tackles this past season. I take great pride in defending the run. It’s a huge part of my game.

People might think I can’t defend the run because I’m “undersized” for my position. I’ve never listened to that. I love stopping the run. I love sticking my nose in there and defending the run.

JM: You’ve put that on tape. Did you interview with any teams formally at the NFL Combine, and do you have any team visits coming up?

Donovan Ezeiruaku: I had a few formal and informal interviews at the NFL Combine. I interviewed with Tampa Bay, Houston, the Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Cleveland formally. Those were a few of the formals. I had a bunch of informals as well. I have a few in-person visits coming up as well, but I’m not quite ready to disclose those.

JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We've appreciated your time today. This has been an outstanding conversation. When a team uses a first-round pick on Donovan Ezeiruaku, what kinda guy are they getting?

Donovan Ezeiruaku: I appreciate your kind words. They’re going to get a hardworking, mentally tough young man. I love the game of football. I have a burning passion for the game. I’m also a great person at the end of the day. I handle myself like a professional off the field.

I’m a great teammate in the locker room. I’m a leader. I also know when it’s time to flip that switch within the white lines. I think that’s the most important part. That’s the type of player and person you’re going to get.