Free agency might be right around the corner, but the 2025 NFL Draft isn't too far behind and is already getting a lot of attention from Patriots fans, as the team holds the fourth overall pick. That will give them a solid opportunity to snag one of the best talents of the incoming class, which is exactly what they need ahead of next season.
Who that player might be has consistently changed over the last several weeks, despite the Patriots' needs not wavering. That's why they have already been connected to the top CB/WR of the group in Colorado's Travis Hunter, Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter, and LSU left tackle Will Campbell.
Any of those players hearing their name called by the Patriots on draft night would be fantastic, but there's also a chance a few of them might not even fall to them at No. 4.
Because of that, there are other options they'll have to look into, including some names that have been rising on draft boards over the past month and are expected to continue doing so throughout the Combine. One of those players is Boston College EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, who might be one of the best at the position and have easy connections to the Patriots coaching staff.
The Patriots might have found their best pick in the first round in Donovan Ezeiruaku
Besides attending one of the local colleges, Ezeiruaku is a highly touted player by head coach Bill O'Brien. As we know, the former Texans head coach spent years in Foxboro as their offensive coordinator and still maintains connections to the organization since departing the team in 2024.
Because Ezeiruaku can be vouched for by a coach they trust, it's possible that Mike Vrabel and Co. might be in on him far earlier than other teams, especially if they are interested in taking Carter in the first round. He is considered the best pass rusher of the class, but there has been an increasing chance he won't fall to their lap due to the teams ahead of them liking him, too.
They could shift their focus to Ezeiruaku, who is considered just as talented with a lot of potential in his transition to the NFL. The 6-foot-2 defensive end had an impressive career in Boston, with his most explosive season coming in 2024.
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In 12 games last season, he recorded 80 combined tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, and 16.5 sacks, the second most sacks in all of college football for the season. That led to Ezeiruaku earning an All-American award, just like Carter, and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, officially putting him on the NFL's radar for the 2025 season.
He should certainly be considered for the fourth overall pick, even if that might be regarded as over-drafting right now. However, he has been rising in the ranks. He will likely continue as the draft nears, so if the Patriots miss on Carter, they have another incredible option in Ezeiruaku to seriously look into.
They need a disruptor on the defensive line to join Keion White, and Ezeiruaku could easily be the right guy for the job.