The NFL Draft is Jerry Jones’s personal Texas hold ‘em table. The stakes? Higher than the Reunion Tower. The crowd? Split between diehards clutching their Troy Aikman jerseys and skeptics sipping Shiner Bock with a side of side-eye. On Friday night, Jones pushed his chips to the center, eyeing a hand that could either revive the Cowboys’ glory days or become another “Wait till next year” punchline. The card he flipped? Let’s just say it’s ruffling feathers from Philly to Phoenix.

With the 44th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku—a 6’2″, 248-pound menace who racked up 16.5 sacks, 20 QB hits, and 60 pressures in 2024. Critics argue he’s a steal; fans are split like a poorly sliced pecan pie.

“Unbelievable person, super competitor,” gushed a league source per insider Josina Anderson. But for Ezeiruaku, the call was a shocker. “Yeah, so honestly, emotions were—just chilling here with my family and wasn’t really expecting anything,” he admitted after only an informal Combine chat with Dallas per the franchise website. “Then my phone vibrates. I saw the caller ID and it said ‘Blue Star’.” Even wilder?

The Jersey-born Eagles fanatic now dons a star. “[The Eagles winning] was cool, in my last year as an Eagles fan,” he quipped about Philly’s Super Bowl win. Ezeiruaku’s resume reads like a comic-book hero’s origin story: ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Ted Hendricks Award winner, and a forced fumble machine. His tape shows a blend of Randy Gregory’s bend and David Irving’s chaos traits, which Dallas desperately needs after losing DeMarcus Lawrence.

“It’ll be great to learn from somebody like [Micah Parsons],” Ezeiruaku said, nodding to the Pennsylvanian connection. But can a lifelong Eagles devotee thrive in Texas? “I’m here right now [in Jersey] celebrating at a country club. And it’s some people here with Eagles gear on. I said, ‘Go ahead and take that off right now,’” he laughed. If sacks translate, Cowboys fans might forgive his Philly roots. But Jerry Jones’ second-round move reeks of his trademark bravado.

Ezeiruaku wasn’t just a need pick; he’s a statement. Dallas’s war room, often accused of overthinking, prioritized upside over safety. But with Parsons, Marshawn Kneeland, and Sam Williams already in the rotation, where does Ezeiruaku fit? Fans craving a splashy CB or RB groan. “I’m 34 was born a cowboys fan but I have lowered my expectations annually we’ll be lucky if we win 6 games with this mid ass roster,” sighed one.

The skeptics’ symphony on Jerry Jones’ draft pick

Not everyone’s humming “Happy Trails.” Critics question Ezeiruaku’s size (248 lbs) and ACC competition. “ACC football is trash. Huge bust potential,” groaned one fan. Others roasted Dallas’ scouting: “Not only is the guy a slow tweener, but the Cowboys did little to vet the player,” argued a skeptic. However, Ezeiruaku’s production is undeniable.

His 16.5 sacks tied Boston College’s single-season record, and his 80 tackles as a DE scream three-down potential. “He has NFL starter-level talent, and his tape says he is more than a DPR,” noted analyst Dane Brugler. For a Cowboys defense that ranked 3rd in sacks allowed last year, that’s music to Brian Schottenheimer’s ears. But the draft’s aftermath sparked a social media rodeo.

“This is looking like another 7-10 season with how they are operating,” sighed a 34-year-old lifer. Another jabbed, “Giants and Cowboys drafting Eagles fans lol.” But silver linings shine too. “Both of the Cowboys’ 1st two picks, OL/DL and known for character, work ethic, and competitors,” praised a supporter. Meanwhile, the ‘tweener’ truthers doubled down: “I refuse to believe they came into this draft having spent much time preparing for it, other than getting into their feelings about how well the players get along off the field.” It’s one hot debate—one only wins if he settles.

Ezeiruaku’s success hinges on bulking up and translating college dominance to NFL speed. If he thrives, Jerry Jones looks like a sage. If not? Cue the “Fire Jerry” billboards. For now, the Cowboys’ draft grade leans A- from analysts, blending value and risk. As Ezeiruaku put it, “We need to stop the run. We’ve gotta put our nose in there and take on blocks and strike blockers, just to get to that ball on first and second down.” So, he’s all gas, no brakes.

In Texas, we know two things: BBQ and drama. This pick serves up both. Whether it’s brisket-burnt or perfectly smoked, Jones’ gamble ensures the Cowboys stay center stage. As the man himself might say, ‘You don’t win Lombardis playing it safe.’ And if history’s any guide? Well, let’s just quote Friday Night Lights: “Clear eyes, full hearts…”—you know the rest.