Erik

Ezukanma

After three years with the Dolphins that yielded just five total games on the active roster, Ezukanma has taken his talents to Atlantic Beach. Joining Ezukanma on Jacksonville’s practice squad are: WR Chandler Brayboy, OL Jerome Carvin, LB Branson Combs, QB Seth Henigan, TE Patrick Herbert, RB Ja’Quinden Jackson, OL Ricky Lee, CB Keni-H Lovely, TE Quintin Morris, DB Jabbar Muhammad, DL Keivie Rose, DB Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig, WR Dorian Singer, OL Sal Wormley and DL Matt Dickerson. It’s a strong collection of names and we definitely didn’t do this blurb just to point out that Keni-H Lovely is a great manga.

Ezukanma appeared in five games for the Dolphins across three professional seasons, never fully capable of breaking into the starting roster as a mainstay. His services were thusly rendered obsolete with a healthy receiving corps heading into the new season. Miami also released/waived CB Cornell Armstrong, LB Quinton Bell, RB Mike Boone, TE Pharaoh Brown, OT Jackson Carman, CB Cameron Dantzler Sr, DT Matt Dickerson, TE Chris Myarick, CB Kendall Sheffield, CB BJ Adams, WR Andrew Armstrong, OL Mason Brooks, OL Braeden Daniels, OT Ryan Hayes, WR AJ Henning, DT Alex Huntley, LB Dequan Jackson, LB Mohamed Kamara, OL Jalen McKenzie, LB Derrick McLendon, S Patrick McMorris, LB Grayson Murphy, OL Josh Priebe, CB Ethan Robinson, TE Hayden Rucci, S John Saunders Jr, RB Aaron Shampklin, DT Ben Stille, LB Channing Tindall, WR Theo Wease Jr, and OL Addison West. The club waived OT Bayron Matos with an injury designation and waived LB Eugene Asante with an injury settlement.

Ezukanma made the Dolphins as a UDFA back in 2022 but has just one reception to his name through two seasons. With the emergence of several young receivers, including rookie Malik Washington, Ezukanma lost his foothold on a roster spot during cutdowns. It’s possible he’ll catch on with another team or end up back on the Dolphins’ practice squad, should he clear waivers.

Fellow backup receiver Erik Ezukanma was placed on the NFI list. With both out, Braxton Berrios will earn the bulk of the Dolphins’ WR3 reps.

After redshirting in 2018, Ezukanma (6'2/209) averaged over 700 receiving yards with 16 total touchdowns over his final three seasons at Tech including a 10-138-2 line as a rusher last year. Ezukanma ran a 4.54 forty at his Pro Day and matched his Combine vertical of 36.5 inches. He does not have the route running skills to be a consistent separator underneath and is not a burner, but he offers a big frame, good ball skills, and YAC ability that could allow him to carve out a role on the outside. Ezukanma will likely focus on special teams as a rookie with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Cedrick Wilson locked into three-wide sets followed by Preston Williams.

That’s a solid time for Ezukanma’s (6'2"/209) size. He caught 48 passes for 705 yards and four touchdowns, and also rushed for 138 yards and two scores in 2021 which is not bad at all, especially with Texas Tech’s QB issues. It’s a stacked WR class so guys like Ezukanma can fall through the cracks, but that just means someone could really get a nice steal in the later rounds.

After two banner performances, it didn’t feel like Ezukanma (6'3/220) was on the field. The Red Raiders offense was unable to get anything going, including in the screen game. While the Red Raiders are known for taking shots on the deep and intermediate levels, their offense focuses mostly on the short passing game, a spot where they have utilized Ezukanma frequently. This was the worst performance Ezukanma had since he caught three passes for 28 yards in week three against Florida International. Ezukanma and the Red Raiders look to end the regular season on a high note when the take on Baylor on Saturday.

Ezukanma (6'3/220) was in peak form against the Cyclones, exerting his will against their smaller corners and reeling in two first-half red-zone touchdowns to help the Red Raiders build a 31-14 lead heading into the half. It was arguably the Texas Tech offense’s best half of the season, as they racked up an impressive 326 total yards on Iowa State’s 16th ranked defense. His best play came on an 18-yard back-shoulder throw where Ezukanma perfectly shielded the defender with his large frame to reel in the well thrown touchdown pass. He has shown a real connection with upstart quarterback Donovan Smith and will look to carry that positive momentum into next week’s home tilt against a stout Oklahoma State pass defense.

Ezukanma (6'3/220) started off the season scorching hot, recording two straight games with over 140 receiving yards. However since then he has cooled off a bit, until his standout performance against the Sooners of course. He set a season high with eight receptions and even chipped in with two rushing attempts for eight yards. His best moment came when he reeled in a back shoulder 17-yard touchdown reception from Henry Colombi for Texas Tech’s first score of the day. He will enjoy the bye week before taking on Iowa State on November 13.

Ezukanma (6'3"/220) was the Red Raider’s leading receiver, and one of four to score a rushing touchdown. Ezukanma showed off great patience on his run, an end around that he let develop a long time before darting into the end zone. Ezukanma is a threat every time he touches it, and the Red Raiders like to get the ball in his hands as much as they can. After a slow day on his return from a concussion, Ezukanma is back. He faces Kansas State next week.