The Dallas Cowboys needed wide receiver and running back help coming into the NFL draft. Edge rusher, while not at the top of the list of needs, was another position that had losses during free agency as DeMarcus Lawrence, Chauncey Golston, and Carl Lawson, who combined for 13.5 sacks in 2024, were not on the 2025 roster.
It was expected that the Cowboys would grab at least one defensive player within the first three rounds, more than likely on Day 2. That's exactly what happened when Dallas trusted their board and selected Donovan Ezeiruaku out of Boston College with the 44th overall pick in the second round.