Akingbesote Selected By Dallas In Seventh Round Of NFL Draft

Press release...

GREEN BAY, WI – University of Maryland defensive lineman Tommy Akingbesote was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday.

Akingbesote is the sixth Maryland player to be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. It marks the most Terrapins taken in a single NFL Draft since 1986. 

Maryland has had 13 players drafted over the last three years and 22 total players drafted since Terps Head Coach Michael Locksley arrived in 2019.  

With Akingbesote and Jordan Phillips being selected, it’s the first time two Terrapin defensive linemen have been taken in the same draft since 2016 (Yannick Ngakoue, Quinton Jefferson).

Akingbesote, a native of Largo, has shown steady development over his four seasons as a Terp. He wrapped up his senior season with a career-best 32 tackles (16 solo) and five for loss. He also added a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. 

According to Pro Football Focus, Akingbesote placed second on the Terps’ roster in pressures (19) and hurries (14) in 2024. His 73.7 grade against the run and 72.6 defensive grade ranked ninth and 12th among all Big Ten Conference interior defenders.

Akingbesote participated in the NFL Scouting Combine and East-West Shrine Bowl. He earned his Family Science degree from the University of Maryland.