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Dallas Cowboys coaching staff made a surprising decision regarding highly important rookie during OTAs

Originally posted on A to Z Sports
By Mauricio Rodriguez | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 4:45 PM ET

For many analysts, the Dallas Cowboys' best pick of the 2025 NFL Draft happened in the second round when they selected EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku out of Boston College. And before mandatory minicamp, his potential role on defense is getting increasingly interesting.

The Cowboys coaching staff is putting a lot on Ezeiruaku's plate as insider Nick Harris from the Forth Worth Star-Telegram reports the rookie has "been getting a lot of run with the ones in OTAs."

Naturally, Ezeiruaku's snap count in practice is influenced by Micah Parsons' absence from the voluntary portion of the offseason. However, it's another decision by the coaching staff that turned heads during the final week of OTAs and ahead of mandatory minicamp.

Ezeiruaku was playing at off-ball linebacker for a "couple of snaps," per ESPN's Todd Archer. According to the reporter, he looked comfortable in the position. Now granted, the Cowboys were deploying a unique defensive front so this could be a very specific thing the team was looking at, but the defense has enough linebacker depth to brush off Ezeiruaku's use as "nothing."

Second round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku spent a couple of snaps playing off-ball linebacker as the Cowboys deployed a different front. He appeared comfortable working in space, but his main call to action will be rushing the passer. So don't worry.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) June 3, 2025

As a defensive end/outside linebacker, Ezeiruaku's best football comes when rushing the passer thanks to his athleticism, agility, and pass rush repertoire. Conversely, it's his size and strength that caused some concerns during the draft process. He will need to develop before he's considered a three-down EDGE as he isn't perceived as a great run defender. Early on, I'd project him as rotational passing down player thanks to his production as a pass rusher.

This brings us to the following question: Could the Cowboys consider using him off-ball in early downs to capitalize on his change of direction and athleticism? While Archer noted Ezeiruaku's "main call to action will be rushing the passer," the staff is clearly looking into every possibility.

Keep in mind, this is the time of year when coaches experiment with their roster. Training camp will provide a much clearer idea on how serious they are about giving the rookie some off-ball snaps. For now, I respect Matt Eberflus for wanting to find out how the rookie looks like behind the defensive line.

"I think I'll fit, I think I'll be able to contribute," Ezeiruaku told reporters earlier in the offseason at rookie minicamp. "It always helps when you've got guys on both sides and in the middle that can pass rush or have a knack for the football, and I think I'll be adding great value to that. And I'm very excited."

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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