Another great pass rusher could be the Browns next goal
The Cleveland Browns have one of the league’s best defensive ends in Myles Garrett. Last season’s NFL Defensive Player of the Year was also named this year’s winner by the Sporting News.
But now comes the news that Garrett wants out of Cleveland. If the franchise does indeed trade him, who will step in?
RELATED: WEDNESDAY SENIOR BOWL DIARY
The defense is run by one of the greatest defensive minds in the NFL Jim Schwartz. He loves run-stoppers and can’t wait to unleash his pass rushers. Garrett is annually one of the league’s top sack leaders. There are several players in-house that have been used to man the other side of the edge to assist in helping Garrett out such as Jadeveon Clowney, Za’Darius Smith, and Olivier Vernon. But none have been dominating.
The replacement for Garrett could happen if the Browns drafted EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku in the second round of April’s NFL draft. Ezeiruaku had 16.5 sacks this past season along with 80 total tackles, three forced fumbles, and 21 tackles for loss.
In his sophomore season, he had 8.5 sacks and 61 tackles to two sacks and 53 tackles in his junior year. Then shot like a rocket last season. For his college career, Ezeiruaku had 30 sacks with 47 tackles for loss and 215 total tackles.
He is ranked #33 so he should be available when the Browns use the first pick in Round 2.
At the Reese’s Senior Bowl, DBN’s Barry Shuck sought out several pass-rushing prospects and Ezeiruaku’s 16.5 sack season stood out.
EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku – Boston College
6’-2”, 248 pounds
4.62 40 time
Projected round: 2
Q: You have been called undersized. What will NFL teams immediately notice about your playing skills?
A: I feel I am a dynamic pass rusher. I have a deep range of moves I can go to and bring some power at the same time. That separates me. But I also have the versatility to come in, drop-in space, and play the run exceptionally well.
Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images
Q: How would you handle transitioning from a 3-4 to the 4-3?
A: I played in the 4-3 in my first years at Boston College. It affects the nose and linebackers more, but not so much coming off the edge honestly. Maybe some verbiage and language changes. But I can play hand in the ground 3-4 defensive end, or stand up and play linebacker hybrid. Or play a designated pass rusher. I learn fast so don’t think it will be an issue.
Q: You exploded your game from your junior year to last season. What changes were made?
A: I have said this a lot, I was playing free and having fun. That is what got me here in the first place. And what I mean by ‘got me here’ was got me to BC. When I first got to college, I was just playing tackle the man with the ball. Coach Lewis and his scheme allowed me to play free. He let me know what I can and can’t do on certain plays, but there is no secret recipe. Just playing free.
Q: Your college coach Tim Lewis played in the NFL and has coached not only in the NFL but other professional leagues. What advantage was it for you to play under a guy who is running NFL defensive schemes?
A: Coach Lewis has coached more years than I have been alive. He brings that experience to the defense. He knows how to fix things that we feel we have messed up. That was a huge help to us. He is always talking about former players in the NFL which is significant to our development as players and has translated to us getting better.
Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Q: You grew up in New Jersey. Is it true all Jersey guys have a chip?
A: If you know anything about South Jersey, we carry a chip on our shoulders at all times. It’s who we are. What’s going on down there? That’s the chip. People want to count us out. It’s our badge of honor.
Q: Looking back, how do you view your college career?
A: It’s been a long four years but it was a quick four years. It was special. I was grateful for Boston College who has given me quite a lot and helped me grow into the young man I am today.
Q: How does your faith work within playing a sport that is so violent?
A: It’s all glory to God and have prayed about it. God gave me gifts and I believe it is my duty to use them. It’s been a dream of mine since I was seven years old when I began playing. It was hard to stay in the moment instead of worrying about what’s to come, but it’s exciting. I thank God it is starting to come true. I have played the game of football since an early age and became a leader, have been vocal, and play by example.
Q: NFL teams put a lot of time and money into scouting players. How would their money be well-spent on you?
A: I am a guy who does not have off-the-field issues or any character concerns, so you can trust what you say to me and trust that I am not going to cause problems later.
Q: Do you have any inspirations while playing the game?
A: I basically give praise through my actions and to honor God. It’s something that I try to bring up in everyday life. Some people take it for granted what God has, and is, doing for them.
Q: Is your strength pass rushing or stopping the run?
A: Both. Neither one is a weakness.
Q: Are you most comfortable playing the right or left side?
A: I have played both and had success on both sides. I have no preference. I have probably lined up on the right more, but truly I feel I am productive on either side.
Q: Do you consider yourself a leader?
A: Absolutely. I want my teammates to feed off my energy on the field. Hard-nosed football player who would hit you in the mouth.