One of the more underrated edge-rushers in a class full of talent, AJ Epenesa could be a late-first round steal.
Epenesa was high on many draft boards going into the season. With the emergence of other promising edge-rushers, Epenesa fell a bit.
Even with that, he finished his final season at Iowa with 49 tot, 11.5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles.
Strengths:
AJ Epenesa is 6’6″ and 275 pounds. He uses that combo of size and strength to become a devastating force of the LOS. While he does not blow you away with his speed, he has a very quick first step that allows him to win hand positioning and get past blockers.
Once he is engaged with the tackles, he is very athletic. He can get the hands under the shoulder pads to drive and ragdoll to get to the next level.
One of his biggest strengths in his football IQ. He has a very deep toolbox of moves to use and is very good at utilizing moves in the right positions at the right times.
Weaknesses:
While he has all the attributes to become a great bull-rusher, he just does not play that way.
He is sometimes very slow at getting off blocks and is a non-factor when doubled. That is my biggest concern with him. NFL tackles are much bigger, stronger, and faster than what he played against every Saturday.
I would like to see him develop more aggression when engaged and really utilize his strength and length in the NFL.
NFL Comparison: Cameron Jordan
Both players rely on their strength and ability to set the edge. I can see Epenesa become a J.J. Watt type of player, but he has a long way to go for that comparison.
NFL Draft Prediction: Round 1, Pick 17: Dallas Cowboys
I think it is a perfect fit. The Cowboys need a dominating pass-rusher. They will miss out on the biggest name, but they will be able to sit where they are, and still get a dominating edge-rusher.
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