If you have even paid a bit of attention, it’s clear the Dallas Cowboys’ top priority this offseason was to improve their defense. After having statistically one of the worst defenses in Cowboys’ history last year, Dallas had a long way to go if they wanted to make it a competitive unit in 2026.
Thankfully, the Cowboys have added some quality players on that side of the ball in the past few months. Caleb Downs, Rashan Gary, Malachi Lawrence, and Jalen Thompson all will play significant roles on the 2026
defense and will, without a doubt, raise the overall floor of the unit as a whole.
Even though Dallas brought in some outside help, if they want their defense to be significantly better this upcoming season, they will need defenders who were on the team last year to raise their level of play. One guy in particular who they are relying on to do so is second-year edge Donovan Ezeiruaku.
The former second-round pick had a decent rookie year, recording 36 total pressures, 22 QB hurries, and 66.8 pass-rush grade. While the sack numbers weren’t there, Ezeiruaku only recorded two the whole year, his athleticism and long-term potential were shown. At just 22 years old, it was evident he had the tools to become a successful pass rusher in the league; he just needed time to grow into the player he could become.
Ezeiruaku is a guy who many believe could break out this year, and that sentiment was shared in a recent article from Pro Football Focus. They put together an All-Breakout team for 2026, picking the “next great players at every position.” Ezeiruaku was one of two selections at edge defender.
Here’s what was said about why the 22-year-old could breakout in 2026.
There were several second-year edge defenders pushing for this slot, but Ezeiruaku presents the best combination of a promising first season as well as upside.
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. What’s also appealing about Ezeiruaku is how good he looked against the run, sitting in the 85th percentile in run stop rate (8.1%) and the 73rd percentile in PFF run-defense grade (62.8).
The Cowboys traded for Rashan Gary and drafted Malachi Lawrence in the first round, but they clearly still have a plan in place for Ezeiruaku. Based on his Year 1 metrics, tremendous bend and quick hands, he could take things up a notch in his second pro season.
While the Cowboys did add Rashan Gary and Malachi Lawrence to improve their pass rush, their lack of adding another big name at the positions seems, in large part, due to the belief that Ezeiriku will take a big step forward this year.
If the Cowboys want to complete their defensive overhaul and have a competitive defensive unit this season, Ezeiruaku taking a sizable step forward is an absolute must. The Cowboys don’t need him to be Micah Parsons, but they absolutely do need him to improve upon his rookie year production and consistently be a pass rush threat while recording at least six or seven sacks.
Only time will tell if the second-year defender will continue his upward trajectory and have a breakout season in 2026. What’s your call BTB? How many sacks will Ezeiruaku have in 2026 and why?
