Dallas Cowboys defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku. Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

Cowboys rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku having dominant start to career

Originally posted on Dallas Cowboys on SI | By Tyler Reed | Last updated Nov 7, 2025 6:27 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys' defense has been the talk of the season for obvious reasons. Time and time again, they have proven to be one of the worst units in the league.

However, not everything has been bad within the unit. If you watched the team's primetime matchup with the Arizona Cardinals this past week, you may have noticed one defensive unit was playing their tails off.

That unit was the defensive line. It truly felt like the Cowboys' pass rush was in the backfield on every snap.

One of the biggest reasons behind the strong play from the pass rush has been the play of rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku.

In the loss to the Cardinals on Monday night, Ezeiruaku picked up his third sack of the season. The rookie was also in the backfield all game long.

Cowboys rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku so quick off the line for the sack

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It's been a strong start for the former Boston College star, and his numbers back it up. Per CowboysMuse, Ezeiruaku is tied for first in sacks, second in tackles for loss, and first in forced fumbles among all rookies in the league.

Look Back At 2025 Draft

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There were some notable names taken before Ezeiruaku in the 2025 NFL Draft. Two of the biggest being Mykel Williams, who was selected by the San Francisco 49ers, and Shemar Stewart, who was taken by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Ezeiruaku has more sacks than both of those top 20 picks combined this season. Calling a second-round pick a steal feels like a stretch.

However, the Cowboys definitely won with the selection of Ezeiruaku.

The team has a bye week this weekend. But seeing Quinnen Williams on the interior defensive line may make Ezeiruaku's job a lot easier. That statement should strike fear into the hearts of the rest of the NFL.