The Unpacking Future Packers countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Green Bay’s pass rush could have a different flavor. Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare and Brenton Cox Jr are power-packed attackers, and this room could utilize a player like Clay Matthews.
Enter Donovan Ezeiruaku. Boston College pass rusher Jeff Hafley checks in at No. 93 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.
Ezeiruaku, a three-star recruit, recorded three sacks during his freshman season in 2021. The following season he recorded 61 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. In 2023, he recorded 53 tackles, seven tackles for loss and two sacks.
Last season, Ezeiruaku was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year after leading the conference in tackles for a loss (21) and sacks (16.5).
“Ezeiruaku’s lightning-quick and explosive first step allows him to turn corners and consistently beat tackles on the outside lane,” said Devin Jackson, NFL Draft writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer. “His dipping and ripping movements are largely unblockable.”
In addition to Abdul Carter and James Pearce Jr. Ezeiruaku probably has the most explosive first step in this draft class. He is a natural bender and has excellent arc acceleration. Adding to his 16.5 sacks, Ezeiruaku recorded 61 pressures. Ezeiruaku consistently annoys the quarterback with his speed and utilize of his hands.
“He uses his speed and athleticism to win on tackles, and his smaller frame makes him more of a quick player who can perform ghost pass moves and use ankle flexion to bend corners on tighter tackles,” Jackson said. “He has a cross-chop move that he can go into as well.”
Ezeiruaku has a relentless motor and is a player who can shoot from distance. According to Professional soccer focus The Boston College player recorded 42 stops last season. He’s not mighty at the point of attack, but his first-step quickness allows him to beat offensive linemen from the snap and meet ball carriers on the defensive line.
“Ezeiruaku is a solid but not very good running back,” Jackson said. “He doesn’t have a blistering pop behind his hands, but he can be slippery on tackles and shoot for turnovers on tackles.”
Fits the Packers
Ezeiruaku is no better in this countdown due to his weight. His preseason weight was listed at 241 pounds, which is historically too lithe for Green Bay’s liking. However, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that he’ll make the 250-pound mark at the combine, with Gutekunst exceeding the threshold due to Ezeiruak’s explosiveness.
Green Bay’s pass rush needs a shot in the arm, and Ezeiruaku would give Hafley’s defense some much-needed offensive support.
“His engine, cornering speed and closing ability make Ezeiruaku extremely difficult to block, especially in third-down situations,” Jackson said. “If you draft him, it has to be a designated pass rusher early in his career. He brings great results and was one of the most productive players to rush to the 2025 draft.”
Hafley’s first season on the job has seen an up-and-down pass rush for the Packers. Adding a player like Ezeiruaku, who is built and moves differently than everyone else in the defensive end group, would give Hafley another chess piece to field.
With his quickness and first-step flexibility, Ezeiruaku was able to focus on one thing and one thing only during his rookie campaign, which was catching up to the quarterback, something he did at a high level during his time at Boston College.
Ezeiruaku plays with relentless energy and would be a solid Day 2 target for the Packers as they look to raise their passing efficiency this offseason.
