Donovan Ezeiraku, Boston College
The Ravens typically draft big guys on the EDGE. Ezeiraku stands in at a shade over 6-foot-2 and 248 pounds.
But while Ezeiraku doesn’t have prototypical size, he has big-time production. The consensus All-American logged the second-most sacks (16.5) in the nation in his senior season at Boston College, only trailing fellow first-round prospect Mike Green of Marshall.
Kiper said Ezeiraku’s production matches the talent of a pure pass rusher.
“To bend, [and have] the ability to really wreak havoc and get into the mind of a tackle you’re going against … and that closing ability. Can you close like a cat? He can do that,” Kiper said. “Then you have the attitude, the approach to be a ‘Play Like a Raven’ guy. Yes, while he’s not 265 pounds and he’s not 6’4″, 6’5″ either, he plays like a Raven.”
Kiper also pointed out that Ezeiraku makes up for his lack of height with an outsized wingspan (82 ¾ inches) that is significantly longer than 6-foot-5 outside linebacker James Pierce Jr., who also could hear his name called on Day 1.
While the Ravens would perhaps be giving up some prowess in run defense by drafting Ezeiraku, he would be a strong complement to some of the rugged defenders they already have on the roster.
“Maybe he doesn’t have the size and doesn’t check out all of those boxes, but if you want a guy that has length, that is a proven guy that can get to the quarterback, can win the corner, has different jab steps, different cross chops, has different ways he can win, then I think that’s the direction you go in,” Brugler said.
“He can affect what is happening in the pocket. To me, that’s the type of guy you want to bet on. If he’s there at 27, I think that makes a ton of sense.”