Not a deep draft sleeper because he's going early...but I don't think Donovan Ezeiruaku gets the sheer credit he deserves. I would put him above every edge rusher in this class with maybe Abdul Carter as the exception, and I am dead fucking serious.
Let's be frank: he's definitely not the biggest edge rusher (6'2", 248). He's not the freak athlete that Pearce or Stewart are, even though he is a very good athlete in his own right (and proved it at the Combine). He doesn't have the best get-off (even though he's fairly explosive, it's not exactly sudden).
But his technique, relentless motor, and ability to bend off the edge while still deploying counters to counters is so mature for a college player. I'd have to say that if AD was that size, he'd remind me of Ezeiruaku; that's the kind of technical prowess I'm talking about. He's not just a designated pass rusher either; he understands leverage, has long enough arms (34 inches), and trusts his technique enough that he can stack and shed tackles to get the running back/quarterback down for a loss. Not a massively violent or strong player, but smart, lengthy, with underrated athleticism and a serious knowledge of technique and leverage. Add in that he's a smart and mature kid (will only turn twenty-two in September) who worked his ass off to get where he is (not rated on 247Sports and a three-star on Rivals, came back with a vengeance after he struggled through injury and ineffectiveness in 2023), and that's exactly the kind of person that would appeal to McSnead.
I saw NFL.com's comparison: Yannick Ngakoue. I think he's going to be a much better player than Ngakoue because unlike Ngakoue, he has the ability to defend the run just as good as he does the pass. I think my comparison - and I realize this is going to sound shocking - is Robert Mathis. I'm not one for forcing a pick at a position we don't need...but if Ezeiruaku was the pick at #26, I would be seriously pleased as punch.
www.nfldraftbuzz.com
