Will the Bucs look to add to the pass rush in round 1?
One of the goals that the Buccaneers and general manager Jason Licht set out to accomplish this offseason was improving the team’s pass rush. While Tampa Bay’s pressure rate and sack total at the end of the year were actually good, they also had the third highest blitz percentage in the league and blitzed the second most in the league. That is largely due to the team’s inability to get home with just four guys.
Whenever a team has to blitz just to be able to get pressure as much as the Bucs did in 2024, it leaves the secondary exposed and the potential to give up big plays through the air certainly rises. So, the team went out in free agency and addressed the issue head on, signing veteran pass rusher Haason Reddick to a one-year deal. Reddick has had a long track record of success in the NFL, including four straight seasons with double digit sacks. That was until this past season when Reddick managed just one sack in 10 games with the New York Jets.
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The Bucs are hoping Reddick can bounce back and return to form but if he can’t, they may have to take out an insurance policy. Enter Donovan Ezeiruaku.
Donovan Ezeiruaku’s Collegiate Career
Ezeiruaku played for the Boston College Eagles for four seasons and was productive for most of his time there. After a solid first season, he came onto the scene in his second season with 8.5 sacks as well as three forced fumbles. The 2022 season earned him second team all ACC honors.
Ezeiruaku’s biggest year though was easily this past one. He was explosive and had 16.5 sacks which tied Harold Landry’s for most in a single season in Boston College history. He was the 2024 ACC defensive player of the year and also won the Ted Hendricks award as college football’s top defensive end. The award filled season topped off an impressive college career.
Pro Day and Scouting Combine
At the NFL scouting combine, Ezeiruaku elected not to run the 40-yard dash or 10 yard split but did perform other drills such as the 3-cone which he recorded 6.94 seconds, and he also did the 20-yard shuttle which he did in 4.19 seconds. He did the broad and vertical jump, earning a 35.5” in the vertical and 9’11” in the broad. He also did 22 reps on the bench press.
Ezeiruaku was at the Boston College pro day but elected to not do any of the drills.
What Ezeiruaku can do for the Bucs in 2025
In his rookie season, Ezeiruaku can kind of ease himself into playing in the NFL while also playing a role in the Bucs defense. With Haason Reddick and Yaya Diaby in the fold, Ezeiruaku likely wouldn’t be a starter on day one, instead slotting in as a rotational pass rusher who could see more and more snaps as the year goes on.
In the NFL nowadays, teams can never have enough good pass rushers. Offenses and quarterbacks are so good and without a consistent pass rush, it could be a long day for a defense. Having a rotation of pass rushers could help keep everyone fresh and productive, especially playing in the Florida heat.
Three-Year Outlook
This is where the Bucs would really be hoping to get the most value out of Ezeiruaku. Drafting a pass rusher in the top 20 would be a serious investment and one that Tampa Bay would be counting on to pay off.
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Three years from now, Ezeiruaku would have a real possibility of being the team’s top pass rusher and hopefully develop into one of the better ones in the entire NFL. He definitely knows how to get to the QB, so if he hits his ceiling there’s no reason not to think he would be able to rack up the sacks in the NFL.
Stock Report
Ezeiruaku has a good chance of being a first-round pick with Tampa Bay at 19th overall being a real possibility. It wouldn’t be a complete shock if he ends up going before the Bucs are on the clock. Teams know good pass rushers are a must, and they usually have a lot of value in the first round.
There is a slight chance he could fall out of the first round and if that’s the case, he likely is one of the first names called on day two.
On The Clock…
Alright Bucs Nation, it’s time for you to make the decision. Should Tampa Bay add Ezeiruaku to their pass rush? What do you think? Let us now in the comments and poll below!