Donovan Ezeiruaku, a top EDGE prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, has been one of the most commonly-linked players to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during this draft process.
Despite signing Haason Reddick this offseason, the defense could use additional reinforcements off the edge, and Ezeiruaku was a natural fit. In fact, many thought the Bucs would target him with their No. 19 overall selection in the first round, but the team shockingly decided to draft Emeka Egbuka, a wide receiver out of Ohio State.
Passing on top defensive talent in the first round didn't sit well with some Bucs fans, but the team almost had their cake and ate it too. After the Bucs passed on Ezeiruaku at No. 19, he surprisingly fell out of the first round, and all the way to No. 44 overall — just ahead of the Bucs at No. 53.
The Dallas Cowboys selected Ezeiruaku at No. 44, ending his unexpected draft slide and breaking the hearts of Bucs fans everywhere. Ezeiruaku falling to No. 53 was a pipe dream, but it almost came to fruition. Instead, the Cowboys will pair the pass-rush specialist with Micah Parsons and form one of the most potent pass-rushing duos in the NFL.
Ezeiruaku registered 16.5 sacks last season for Boston College, and demonstrated a full aresenal of pass-rush moves that make him ready to wreak havoc on opposing offenses the moment he enters the league.
Where do the Bucs go from here after missing out on Ezeiruaku?
There are still a plethora of intriguing defensive options for Tampa Bay to consider when they are on the clock at No. 53 overall.
The team addressed offense in round one, leaving plenty of defensive holes. If the Bucs don't land another EDGE to make up for losing out on Ezeiruaku, they could address cornerback, inside linebacker, or defensive tackle.
Some potential names to watch for Tampa Bay are: cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. out of ECU, EDGE Oluwafemi Oladejo out of UCLA, and defensive tackle Darius Alexander out of Toledo.