The Dallas Cowboys can't beat the Green Bay Packers in real games, so they save it for the NFL Draft stage.
Green Bay kicked off the draft with the home-run Matthew Golden selection. Pairing that with a pass-rush upgrade would give the Packers a dream start.
The Cowboys made that task more challenging by stealing an ideal Packers target at No. 44 overall. More specifically, they stole a prospect familiar with Jeff Hafley.
Boston College edge-rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku played under Hafley in college and would've given his Packers pass rush an immediate boost. Defensive line coach Vince Oghobaase was also there, with the Packers naming their connection in his profile.
Fortunately, the Packers have other pass-rush options, but Ezeiruaku made so much sense beyond the Hafley connection.
Packers may need a Plan B after Cowboys steal Donovan Ezeiruaku in second round
Even in a deep edge-rusher class, Ezeiruaku stood out as a perfect fit for the Packers. They search for elite athletes, and Ezeiruaku's Relative Athletic Score of 8.15 out of 10 checks that box. He also proved himself with college production, recording an incredible 16.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss in his final season at Boston College.
A reunion with Hafley and Oghobaase would've given the Packers' defense a huge lift. Instead, they must pivot.
Hopes of landing cornerback Will Johnson quickly went up in smoke, too, with the Arizona Cardinals ending his surprising draft-day fall.
The Packers could lean heavily into the pass-rush and cornerback positions after addressing wide receiver on Day 1. It won't be surprising if they look for more offensive line depth at some point, too.
But missing out on Ezeiruaku hurts, especially to the Cowboys. Come on. At least we know what will happen when the two teams inevitably meet again down the road. Jordan Love picked up where Aaron Rodgers left off, in that regard.