Packers Hafley has plenty of intel on talented draft prospect
By GERY WOELFEL
INDIANAPOLIS – The Green Bay Packers have done extensive homework on Donovan Ezeiruaku.
The Packers scouted his games at Boston College, spoken with his coaches, monitored his performances at the recent Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., and are now closely observing his every move here at the NFL Scouting Combine.
In other words, the Packers have a done their due diligence – just like all of the teams that have a keen interest in picking him in the April NFL draft.
But the Packers have a distinct advantage over all of Ezeiruaku other suitors: Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley knows Ezeiruaku extremely well.
Hafley was the 6-foot-2, 248-pound edge rusher’s head coach for three seasons at Boston College.
Ezeiruaku said he would be delighted being drafted by the Packers and being reunited with Hafley
“He recruited me; him and his staff,’’ said Ezeiruaku, who hails from Williamstown, N.J. “Boston College is obviously a high academic institution. But he and his staff showed me how they would develop me into the player I wanted to become, to reach my goals.
“It would be lovely to play for my college coach again.’’
That isn’t out of the realm of possibilities. The Packers are picking late in the first round, possessing the 23rd overall pick. That is the vicinity where most NFL scouts predict Ezeiruaku will be taken.
The Packers are also looking to upgrade their pass rush, which Ezeiruaku could do. He is regarded as one of the best pass rushers in this draft and displayed his uncanny knack for sacking the quarterback last season. That’s when Ezeiruaku registered an insane 16.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss in 12 games.
For his exceptional work, Ezeiruaku was tabbed Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year while earning All-American recognition
Ezeiruaku said he learned much from Hafley.
“He’s a great coach,’’ Ezeiruaku said of Hafley. “He knows football. And he darn sure knows defense.’’
Ezeiruaku also found Hafley to be a player’s coach.
“He’s one of those persons whose door was always open,’’ Ezeiruaku said. “He’s not one of those coaches who you have to set up an appointment to talk to him in his office.
“That speaks volumes about who he is as a person.’’
Ezeiruaku said he doesn’t really know where he’ll be chosen in the draft, and he doesn’t care. He’s just eager to showcase his talents in the NFL.
He’s supremely confident in his abilities and fully believes there isn’t anyone better in this draft class when it comes to putting the heat on the quarterback.
“I believe I’m the best pass rusher, whether as a defensive end or outside linebacker, in this class,’’ Ezeiruaku said. “My opinion, of course.’’
