The Dallas Cowboys invested heavily in their pass rush this offseason, but second-year edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku could be the one to watch in 2026.
PFF’s All-Breakout Team
Pro Football Focus NFL reporter Bradley Locker placed Ezeiruaku on his NFL All-Breakout Team for 2026, a group that should include the NFL’s “next great player.”
Ezeiruaku was one of the few bright spots on what turned out to be the NFL’s worst defense in 2025. “Despite sliding to the second round, Ezeiruaku turned in a solid rookie campaign with a 66.8 PFF pass-rush grade, the second-best among qualified newcomers at the position,” Locker wrote.
Bleacher Report’s Take
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox also believes Ezeiruaku could be a “building block” for the defense in the future.
“The Dallas Cowboys defense was a liability last season, ranking 30th overall and 32nd in points allowed,” Knox wrote. “Understandably, Dallas put a lot of effort into rebuilding the unit this offseason. Improving the pass rush was a top priority, and the Cowboys traded for Rashan Gary and drafted Malachi Lawrence in the first round. Those two will get plenty of attention this year, but fans shouldn’t sleep on second-year edge-rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku.”
Ezeiruaku’s Rookie Season
Ezeiruaku missed most of the offseason after hip surgery but is expected to be ready for training camp. As a rookie, he recorded three sacks and nine tackles for loss despite limited opportunities.
What’s Next for Ezeiruaku
With the addition of Rashan Gary and Malachi Lawrence, the competition at edge rusher is fierce. However, Ezeiruaku’s athleticism and production as a rookie suggest he could take a significant step forward in 2026.
Final Thoughts
Donovan Ezeiruaku has the tools to become a key piece of the Cowboys’ defense. While the focus will be on the new additions, Ezeiruaku’s development could be one of the most important storylines for Dallas in 2026. If he can build on his rookie campaign, he could emerge as a breakout star.