Iowa Hawkeyes Profile: https://hawkeyesports.com/sports/football/roster/a-j-epenesa/13323
NFL.com: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/a.j.-epenesa?id=32194550-4541-5291-9369-b9d0c170a565
2020 NFL draft: A.J. Epenesa scouting report: https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/12/27/2020-nfl-draft-prospect-scouting-report-a-j-epenesa-iowa/
Draft Network: https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/aj-epenesa/z0ksGGlsMr
Walterfootball: http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2020AJEpenesa.php
Draft Tek: https://www.drafttek.com/NFL-Draft-Scouting-Reports/Scouting-Report-AJ-Epenesa.asp
Meet the Prospect: A.J. Epenesa: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/meet-the-prospect-a-j-epenesa
Articles:
Projecting the Lions Top-10 draft board (10. A.J. Epenesa, EDGE. Iowa: There may not be a more perfect marriage between player and scheme in this draft than Epenesa and the Lions. A bigger version of Trey Flowers, Epenesa’s ability to play the EDGE and kick inside to the 3-technique will be very appealing to the Lions as he will make two positions that rely on rotating players stronger. If he slides to the back end of the first round — like many are projecting — he is the type of player the Lions could trade up for.) (4-22-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/04/22/projecting-the-lions-top-10-draft-board/
Five NFL draft prospects could fall out of first round (A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa: The NFL's movement toward quicker pass rushers might leave Epenesa in somewhat of a no-man's land. At 6-5 and 275 pounds, he doesn't have the sheer burst or bend to consistently beat offensive tackles around the corner. Though Epenesa was once viewed as the consolation prize to Ohio State's Chase Young in this class, he might be selected after more athletic edge rushers in LSU's K'Lavon Chaisson and Penn State's Yetur Gross-Matos. The Patriots (No. 23) and Dolphins (No. 18 and 26) both could be drawn to his efficiency and knowhow, but his overall athletic profile might relegate him to a Day 2 slot as a high-floor prospect.) (4-21-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/04/21/nfl-draft-2020-first-round-fall-jordan-love-grant-delpit/5168268002/
Buy or Sell: Risers and Fallers in the 2020 NFL Draft (FALLERS - EDGE A.J. EPENESA, IOWA – SELL: Epenesa’s lack of athleticism may have him falling into the second round come later this week, and he would be a massive value to any potential suitors should he fall that far. As the PFF Draft Guide says, Epenesa has the length, power and versatility to be an every-down player in basically any scheme. The Combine numbers certainly don’t help his case to win on the edge against NFL tackles, but it’s hard to ignore his history of production at Iowa. After earning a PFF grade of 90.1 in 2018, notching 46 pressures in just 229 pass-rushing snaps, Epenesa kept up the production in a larger role last season with an overall grade of 84.3. He doesn’t have to win with his burst off the edge because of the kind of power and hand usage he employs. It remains to be seen where his best role is at the NFL level, but we’ll have to sell the idea that he is no longer a first-round talent.) (4-20-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-buy-or-sell-risers-and-fallers-in-the-2020-nfl-draft
2020 NFL Draft: PFF's High-Floor/Low-Ceiling Team (ED – A.J. EPENESA, IOWA: This one is very much like Davon Hamilton above in that I just feel good about him being a plus run-defender. With 34 ½-inch arms at 275 pounds with well above average run-defense grades over the past two seasons, Epenesa looks like an easy projection in that regard. Will he ever be a playmaker or a pass-rusher? I have no clue, but that’s the same answer I’d give for every edge after Chase Young in this class.) (4-17-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-pffs-high-floor-low-ceiling-team
Drafter beware! Next Gen Stats identifies six risky first-round candidates (4. Espensa: The 2019 second-team All-American logged 10-plus sacks in back-to-back seasons (10.5 in 2018, 11.5 in '19), including a sophomore season where he led the Big Ten in sacks despite not starting a single game. Epenesa's production score of 71 is not so much the concern -- it's his athleticism score of 58 that leads to questions about his profile. At 6-5 and 275 pounds with 34 1/2-inch arms, Epenesa has the ideal frame for the position, but his lack of speed (5.04 40), quickness (4.46 short shuttle, 7.34 3-cone), explosiveness (9-foot-9 broad jump, 32 1/2-inch vertical leap) and strength (17 bench reps) all raise red flags for a potential early pick. If Epenesa is taken in the first round next week, he will be the first primary edge rusher dating back to 2003 to be selected in Round 1 despite running a 40-yard dash slower than 5.0 seconds.) (4-15-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001109562/article/2020-nfl-draft-qb-jordan-love-among-six-highrisk-prospects
Building The Perfect 2020 EDGE Defender (Power: A.J. Epenesa, Iowa - Do not let A.J. Epenesa’s measly 17 reps on the bench press fool you. Epenesa plays with a brute force that is unrivaled by his peers in this class. In some sense, it is cheating for Epenesa to be listed with the edge defenders and win the strength category. The former Hawkeye measured in at 6-foot-5 and 275-pounds at the NFL Combine, making him more of a five-technique than a standard edge defender. Epenesa’s best role in the NFL is likely in a hybrid front where he can play five-tech on base downs and kick inside on passing downs, perhaps filling a similar role as Michael Bennett with the Seattle Seahawks. That is not the same role guys such as Chase Young, Josh Uche, K’Lavon Chaisson, and others will fill. Nevertheless, Epenesa plays with a raw power that is difficult for opposing defenders to contain. Whether Epenesa is straight up bull-rushing an opposing tackle or using his tree trunk arms to swipe down a blocker’s arms, the Iowa product plays with such force that even the heaviest of offensive tackles are going to get toppled over by him from time to time.) (4-9-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/building-perfect-2020-edge-defender
O'HARA'S DRAFT PREVIEW: 5 edge rushers that could interest Lions (2. A.J. Epenesa, Iowa. (6-5, 275. 5.04 Combine 40. Stats: 3 years, 39 games, 26.5 sacks, with 22 last two seasons combined.): Breakdown: Stock slipped slightly with average Combine performance but did not overshadow closeout of 2019 season: 8 sacks, 4 forced fumbles in the last 5 games. Where he could fit Lions: Likely to be on the board around No. 20 or lower, which means the Lions would have to have acquired an extra pick to get him..) (4-8-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-draft-preview-5-edge-rushers-that-could-interest-lions-young
2020 NFL Draft: Perfect landing spots for the top 10 edge defenders (2. A.J. EPENESA — MINNESOTA VIKINGS (PFF Big Board Rank: 19): There is a strong chance that Epenesa’s pathway to success in the NFL will start on the inside rather than the edge, but we’ll leave him here for now. While he was highly productive at Iowa, the athleticism just doesn’t look like it’s there for him to win off the edge consistently. The PFF Draft Guide called his combine performance “disastrous,” and it’s hard to disagree with that assessment. He still comes in as a top-20 prospect overall, though, because it’s hard to ignore what he put on tape in college. Epenesa has elite length and power for the position, allowing him to put up back-to-back seasons with pass-rushing grades above 85.0 in 2018 and 2019 while providing stout play against the run. There is plenty of reason to believe he can have success despite the lack of athleticism. As for this destination, the Vikings are a team that has seen longtime members of their defensive line — Everson Griffen and Linval Joseph — depart. They brought in Michael Pierce to replace Joseph, but there are still some questions as to how the defensive line is going to look next season. Ifeadi Odenigbo figures to get first crack at the edge spot opposite Danielle Hunter after putting up a 71.8 pass-rushing grade in 403 defensive snaps last season — nearly three-quarters of which were pass-rushing snaps — but there isn’t a whole lot of depth at the position. Epenesa would give them another potential starting option on the edge, and he could quite easily kick inside and use his length and strength to overpower interior offensive linemen if his limited athleticism keeps him from winning consistently on the edge. That kind of inside/outside, versatile pass-rusher is something the Vikings could use. They’re probably better suited going wide receiver and cornerback early, but from a team fit perspective, I like Epenesa to Minnesota with one of their late first-round picks.) (4-8-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-perfect-landing-spots-for-the-top-10-edge-defenders
Touchdown Wire's 2020 NFL Draft rankings: Top 25 defensive players (14. A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa: There are those collegiate edge rushers who make the most of their athleticism to get to the quarterback while displaying very little in the way of pass-rushing moves and technique. Epenesa is not one of those guys. At 6-5 and 275 pounds, he’s able to produce at the edge and inside with a prodigious bull-rush and violent, practiced hands. Epenesa won’t blow anybody away with his burst off the snap, but the production — 22 total sacks over the last two seasons and 104 total pressures in that time — speaks to a consistency that quicker defenders might struggle to match.) (4-3-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/03/touchdown-wires-2020-nfl-draft-rankings-top-25-defensive-players/
If Lions go for Jeff Okudah, here are 10 second-round options that make sense (A.J. Epenesa, Edge, Iowa: Once viewed as an early- to mid-first-round pick, Epenesa's stock has dipped a bit after an ugly showing at the combine raised questions about his athleticism. Despite that, his skill set is a good fit for Detroit's scheme, illustrated by Pro Football Focus' comparison to Trey Flowers. Epenesa will typically line up on the edge, where he rushes the passer with power and strong hands, while setting a sturdy edge against the run. During clear passing situations on third down, the 6-foot-5, 275-pounder can slide inside and give interior linemen fits.) (3-31-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/03/31/if-detroit-lions-go-jeff-okudah-here-10-second-round-options-make-sense/5087218002/
2020 Draft: 5 groups of edge rushers (I wrote about Epenesa right after the combine as a prospect with a poor performance in Indy about which I wasn't too worried, mostly because he should be playing inside a fair amount of the time, and for a defensive tackle, the Iowa star is a fine athlete. At 6-5 and 275 pounds with arms over 34 inches long, freaky strength that jumped off the film even in 2018 and a polished set of pass-rush moves, Epenesa is the perfect prospect for this category.) (3-30-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-examining-chase-young-klavon-chaisson-and-rest-of-the-edge-rusher-class-by-type/
6 Lions 2nd-round options if they draft CB Jeff Okudah in the 1st (A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa: During the college season, Epenesa was often projected — often to the Lions — as a top-12 overall pick. The luster faded after his mediocre athletic testing, but that shouldn’t concern teams like Detroit picking in the 26-35 overall range. Here’s why. Epenesa is a master technician with his hands, shoulders, feet and hips. Being an average athlete didn’t stop him from being wildly productive in college; he’s not dependent upon being a better athlete than the tackle trying to block him, which is not true of several other EDGE prospects in this range and is by far the biggest reason why top-50 pass rushers fail and bust. Another thing to like about Epenesa is his frame. He played at 275 but has the body structure to get up to the 290 range in the mold of J.J. Watt, capable of playing DE in a 3 or 4-man front. He’s not that dynamic of an athlete (few humans are) but the way Epenesa won in college echoes how Watt thrived at Wisconsin) (3-26-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/26/6-lions-2nd-round-options-if-they-draft-cb-jeff-okudah-in-the-1st/
2020 NFL Draft: Buyer beware (A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa: A.J. Epenesa said at the combine last month that he models his game after J.J. Watt and that makes sense. Epenesa is 6-foot-5, 275 pounds, and when Watt came through Indianapolis he measured 6-foot-5, 290 pounds. "He's a bigger-bodied guy," Epenesa told CBS Sports HQ in Indy last month. "I'm nothing like J.J. Watt, obviously, but I feel I could grow to be something like that, where I can rush from the outside and from the inside, and be put [in a situation] to be a mismatch for somebody." Throughout the 2019 season we compared Epenesa to Watt so no surprise there. But at the combine Epenesa only benched 225 pounds 17 times, he ran the 40 in 5.04 and needed 7.34 seconds to finish the 3-cone drill. By comparison, Watt put up 225 pounds 34 times, ran the 40 in 4.88 and his 3-cone time was 6.88. Those are all absurd numbers for a 290-pound defensive linemen and when you look at Watt's Mockdraftable.com comps, names like Cameron Jordan, Joey Bosa and Mario Williams come up. For Epenesa, the results were more modest -- Romeo Okwara and Aaron Lynch. This isn't to say Epenesa can't be a good NFL player, just that his 2019 tape (where he flashed at times but also was quiet for long stretches during games) coupled with his combine results will cause NFL teams to reevaluate where he fits on their draft boards. There have even been conversations that his future could be playing inside. "I know there are some people out there who may be doubting me, whether it's my speed or my explosiveness, but I want to prove some people wrong and just have that mentality of having a chip on your shoulder," Epenesa said at the combine.) (3-12-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-buyer-beware-on-jordan-love-tee-higgins-and-these-other-top-prospects/
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Post-Combine II (Down - A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa: It wasn't surprising to scouts that Epenesa was not a combine standout. At Iowa, they saw some stiffness to Epenesa to go along with average speed and athleticism. However, he did not help himself to change that perception in Indianapolis, where team sources said they weren't impressed with his workout. "He looked rather average," said one source. Epenesa has the size and strength to set the edge, but his lack of speed and athleticism could limit him to being a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4 and hurt his ability to interest 4-3 teams as a pass-rushing end.) (3-10-20): https://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_26.php
Could A.J. Epenesa fall to the Lions in the 2nd round? (3-8-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/08/could-a-j-epenesa-fall-to-the-lions-in-the-2nd-round/
TWENTYMAN: 7 pass rushers not named Chase Young that could interest Lions (1. A.J. Epenesa, Iowa – Power rusher: Height/weight: 6-5, 275. 2019 stats: 49 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, four forced fumbles. Combine results: 40: 5.04, Bench: 17, Vertical: 32.5, Broad: 117.0, 3 Cone: 7.34. Scouting report: Epenesa is a skilled pass rusher with outstanding size, strength and effort. He has average get-off quickness, but he boasts strong hands, can flip his hips and is a reliable finisher. He has a variety of hand techniques, including a violent club move, swipe move and a push/pull move. He also will flash a long-arm move with his inside arm ... – Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network. Draft projection: First round. What Epenesa says about his game: "I'm confident that my best abilities are in the power rush, just using length and using speed and kind of combining it together to move people backwards and make the quarterback uncomfortable by getting in his face." Twentyman: Teams will go back to the tape on Epenesa after a less than stellar Combine in terms of his athletic traits. It was a particularly disappointing 40 time for him (5.04).) (3-4-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-7-pass-rushers-not-named-chase-young-that-could-interest-the-lions
Relative Athletic Score: Is it risky to select A.J. Epenesa in the 2020 NFL Draft? (3-4-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/aj-epenesa-2020-nfl-draft-relative-athletic-score/
Stock up, stock down for prospects after the NFL Scouting Combine (Down - EDGE A.J. Epenesa, Iowa: Burst and speed off the line was a large concern for A.J. Epenesa entering the week in Indianapolis, and he did nothing to dispel the doubters with one of the worst 40 times of the day among edge defenders at 5.04 seconds. He still has tremendous technique and has been one of college football’s top pass-rushers the last two years, so he's not completely falling out of the edge No. 2 spot, but he no longer is a top 15-player on our big board. There haven't been many edge defenders who could overpower offensive tackles the way Epenesa has the last two years. Among FBS defenders during that stretch, Epenesa has posted a PFF pass-rush grade that ranks as the sixth-best and has won on over 20% of his pass-rush reps. Again, he’s still easily a first-round talent, but the gap between him and the next best edge defender has gotten smaller and smaller.) (3-3-20): https://www.pff.com/news/news-draft-stock-up-stock-down-for-prospects-after-the-nfl-scouting-combine
5 whose bad week won't hurt stock (A.J. Epenesa, EDGE/DL, Iowa: Many thought Chase Young would measure in close to the size of Myles Garrett, but it was actually Epenesa who, at 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds, tipped the scales with a nearly identical physical profile to the 2017 No. 1 overall pick. Then Epenesa ran 5.01 in the 40, a far cry from Garrett's 4.64, but no one on Earth expected Epenesa to test remotely close to the Browns star edge rusher, and, across the board, he didn't. His 7.34 in three cone is moderately slow -- even given his massive size -- and places him in the 30th percentile among all edge rushers at the combine the past 21 years, per MockDraftable.com. However, Epenesa is more of a defensive end/defensive tackle hybrid than a pure, outside speed rusher. If you move Epenesa's position to "interior defensive line," where he played on just under 12% of his snaps in 2019 per Pro Football Focus and very well could play at a higher rate in the NFL -- Epenesa's three-cone is in the 83rd percentile. His 117-inch broad jump is in the 62nd percentile among edge rushers yet the 97th among interior defensive linemen. As a power player with the size to legitimately be a versatile trench player who boasts a nice arsenal of pass-rushing moves, Epenesa's slow, non-twitchy combine should not really change how we view him.) (3-3-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-why-the-combine-for-jalen-reagor-a-j-epenesa-and-other-prospects-shouldnt-hurt-their-stock/
2020 NFL Combine analytical winners/losers: defense (A.J. Epensa was the biggest disappointment of the edge defender class, registering the lowest WAR score of the 10 ranked prospects who ran the 40-yard dash. Epensa’s draft stock could plummet after putting up a 5.02 40-yard dash (6th percentile) and agility drills in the 30th percentile.) (3-3-20): https://www.pff.com/news/news-draft-2020-nfl-combine-analytical-winners-losers-defense
Jordan Love's comp; Okudah's inspiration; Mayfield on CeeDee and more (A B1G debate. Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa saw plenty of Wirfs on the practice field. Wirfs said those battles were "100 percent helpful" for both. Speaking of Epenesa, I reported during the combine that I spoke with a defensive coordinator who likes both Epenesa and Penn State DE Yetur (rhymes with "detour") Gross-Matos. That DC said he "probably" prefers Gross-Matos because he has a higher ceiling. The next day, I ran into another highly thought of defensive coordinator who told me he, too, likes both players. But he said he "probably" prefers Epenesa. To each his own. That's the beauty of the draft. Gross-Matos has a compelling personal story that I talked about during the Combine and wrote about here.)(3-2-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001104990/article/jordan-loves-comp-okudahs-inspiration-mayfield-on-ceedee
FINDING VALUE IN THE 2020 NFL COMBINE (So let’s get critical. A.J. Epenesa can still be effective, but as an outside pass rusher it is fair to question if he has the juice with average jumps and agilities and poor speed scores. Those improve when compared to interior rushers, but at 275 pounds is he somewhere in-between… or will a defensive coordinator have a plan? Is that a profile you’re confident in selecting in the first round?) (3-2-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/combine-breakdown/finding-value-2020-nfl-combine
2020 NFL Scouting Combine Team Thoughts on Workouts (Teams said they were mildly disappointed in Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa. "He looked rather average," said one source. Epenesa had a slow 40 time and was not impressive in the field work. Teams, however, knew Epenesa had some stiffness going into the combine, so it did not take everyone by surprise that he wasn't a workout warrior.) (3-2-20): https://walterfootball.com/combine2020blog.php
Biggest Losers From the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine (A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa: Epenesa was a big-time playmaker for Iowa during his career and has long been penciled in as a mid first-round pick. He really struggled at the combine, though, turning in a 5.04 40-yard dash, then not showing next-level explosion in other drills. His 32.5-inch vertical was solid and his 9.9-inch broad jump was decent as well, but he didn't "wow" anyone.) (3-1-20): https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/2020-nfl-scouting-combine-losers-01e2bw0dkzfm
Winners and losers from the 2020 scouting combine (Loser – A.J. Epenesa: If you were expecting Epenesa, the Iowa defensive lineman, to come into Indianapolis and look the part of a prototype NFL EDGE defender, you were likely disappointed by his testing results. If you consider Epenesa as more of a 3-4 defensive end, and thus perhaps more of a defensive lineman? You might have been satisfied with what you saw. Consider the work done by Kent Lee Platte, who you can find on Twitter at @MathBomb. Using his Relative Athletic Scoring system, which evaluates the players based on their size, testing results and position, Epenesa’s RAS score of 4.30 was near the bottom of all the EDGE defenders in Indianapolis. But if you compare him with defensive linemen, he would post not a 4.30, but a 9.08, which would be near the top. Epenesa projects more as a 5-technique defender in the NFL,a defensive end in a three-man front who will rely more on power than burst and explosiveness off the edge. Teams that are looking for that kind of player are probably double-checking what they saw on film, and not overthinking his testing results. But if you were hoping for a bendy edge rusher, you came away disappointed.) (3-1-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/01/winners-and-losers-from-the-2020-scouting-combine/
2020 NFL Scouting Combine: Risers and fallers from the DL and LB drills (Fallers - EDGE A.J. Epenesa, Iowa: This edge class is beginning to look increasingly thin after Ohio State's Chase Young. A.J. Epenesa was looking like the clear-cut No. 2 edge and a top-15 pick overall, but that might change after this week. His 5.04-second 40-yard dash was one of the worst at his position. He also has a lack of burst, and that'll make him a player who will have to win with technique rather than with power and/or speed. The good news is that he is rather great at this, as he has posted pass-rush grades of 90.4 and 87.8 in his last two seasons.) (3-1-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-scouting-combine-risers-and-fallers-from-the-dl-and-lb-drills
DL drills: Weaver shines, Brown struggles (Winners - A.J. Epenesa, Iowa. At 275 pounds, Epenesa ran slowly over 5.00 but had a respectable time of 7.34 in the three-cone drill. However, he didn't do anything to ease the worry about his lack of explosiveness on the edge.) (3-1-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-combine-2020-results-curtis-weaver-justin-madubuike-winners-as-edge-rushers-defensive-linemen-work-out/
2020 NFL Combine Stock Report: Defensive Linemen (Down - A.J. Epenesa, DE/OLB, Iowa: A.J. Epenesa posted some ghastly workout numbers at the combine. He ran a 5.04 40-yard dash with a slow 1.78 split. He managed just 32.5 inches in the vertical and 9-9 in the broad jump. No one was expecting Epenesa to do well at the combine, but I don't think many thought his numbers, outside of his 3-cone (7.34), would be this bad.) (2-29-20): https://walterfootball.com/combine2020stockDL.php
NFL Combine Saturday Highlights (Iowa EDGE A.J. Epenesa can’t grab Tristan Wirfs bounce: While Wirfs shone so brilliant on Friday that you needed shades to watch his tests, Epenesa came out rather dull. His 40-yard dash of 5.04 seconds was disappointing, his jumps (32.5 inches vertically, 117 inches broad) pedestrian, his 4.46-second 20-yard shuttle middle-of-the-pack. None of this will push Chase Young off his position pedestal, though we would again stress not overreacting to these numbers. Especially with Epenesa, who plays with immense power and strength. Maybe they should figure out a “club things in a phone booth” drill, because Epenesa would crush that.) (2-29-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/combine-breakdown/nfl-combine-saturday-highlights
NFL Combine winners & losers: Isaiah Simmons makes case as top-five pick (Loser: A.J. Epenesa - Epenesa's results should be seen in context. He ran a 5.04 in the 40 and repped 17 in the bench, numbers that were not better than Michigan State's Kenny Willekes, who ran a 4.87 and repped 32 in the bench. Epenesa likely won't be an edge rusher, however, and the tape on him in the three or five technique will carry more weight. Still, it is OK to expect more of the highly regarded Iowa defender.) (2-29-20): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-combine-2020-winners-losers/pgwsi7z45ewe1r3go97x5ies1
Combine winners/losers, Day 3: Simmons shines (Losers - A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa: Epenesa made many plays for the Hawkeyes using hustle and power. Scouts questioned his athleticism coming into the combine, and his performance on Saturday likely won't do anything to assuage their suspicions. The 5.04 40 at 275 pounds was not exceptional, and his on-field work showed a lack of suddenness and bend off the edge. It's clear to me that his future is as a five-technique at the next level, and I wouldn't be surprised if he added some weight to play that spot. His jump results were not bad (32.5-inch vertical, 9-9 broad), so there's some lower-body explosiveness to work with. NFL teams should give Epenesa credit for working out instead of choosing to wait until his pro day -- but there's not a lot of 275-pound defensive linemen with 5.0 40s going in the first round these days.) (2-29-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001104739/article/2020-nfl-scouting-combine-winnerslosers-isaiah-simmons
2020 NFL combine results: Isaiah Simmons crushes 40-yard dash and more times, workouts for DLs and LBs (While his 40 time left something to be desired, Iowa's A.J. Epenesa, currently tabbed as the second best edge rusher and 12th best player in the draft, rebounded with a nice showing during the on-field work.) (2-29-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-combine-results-isaiah-simmons-crushes-40-yard-dash-and-more-times-workouts-for-dls-and-lbs/live/
2020 NFL Scouting Combine: What to watch for during DL and LB drills (IF A.J. EPENESA CAN HANG IN THE AGILITY TESTING, HE MIGHT LOCK HIMSELF INTO THE TOP HALF OF THE FIRST ROUND: At 6-foot-5, 275 pounds, Epenesa is a powerful player with poor burst and agility relative to his counterparts, and his athleticism overall is rather average. That being said, his technique is exactly right where it should be, and that has been demonstrated over the last couple of years. Epenesa produced the sixth-highest pass-rush grade and pass-rush win rate among players at his position over the last two years. And while he isn't quite on the same “prove it” level as Weaver, there is some concern with how his athleticism will fare against elite NFL tackles. Again, he can get nasty with his power and technique, but that'll only get you so far.) (2-29-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-scouting-combine-what-to-watch-for-during-dl-and-lb-drills
Grounded in heritage, Iowa's A.J. Epenesa aims for dominance in the NFL (2-28-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/02/28/a-j-epenesa-out-prove-nfl-combine-chase-young/4900287002/
TIM AND MIKE: Combine Day 3 observations (T.J. to A.J. : Iowa defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa got advice on what to expect at the Combine from former Iowa teammate T.J. Hockenson, the tight end drafted eighth overall by the Lions last year. "T.J. was just at my house in Iowa City this past week," Epenesa said. "I kind of hit him up, and Anthony Nelson, just about the process at the Combine. They told me to just kind of stay on my stuff. Always be ready, because it's late nights and early mornings. Just kind of enjoy it while you're here." – Mike O'Hara) (2-27-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/tim-and-mike-combine-day-3-observations-okudah-kinlaw
Edge defenders to target in free agency and the 2020 NFL Draft (The Blue Chips - A.J. Epenesa: Measuring in at the combine at 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds with 34-and-a-half inch arms, Epenesa has elite length, power and versatility at a position that will be coveted early in the draft. He doesn’t sacrifice fluidity or flexibility for that size, either. He impressed with a 90.1 overall grade during the 2018 season, but that was still in a somewhat limited role — he played only 412 defensive snaps on the year. He bumped up that figure to 767 snaps in 2019, and though Epenesa gave some of that elite production back, he still provided high-level play for the Hawkeyes with an 85.5 grade. He’s not the same prospect that Young is, of course, but he is still a tier above the rest of the edge defenders in the class.) (2-27-20): https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-edge-defenders-free-agency-2020-nfl-draft
Combine weigh-in: Epenesa, Davidson win (Winners - A.J. Epenesa, Iowa. We all expected Epenesa to have some monstrous numbers at the weigh-in, and he did. His figures, across the board, were more impressive than Chase Young's and not far off from Myles Garrett's three years ago.) (2-26-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-combine-2020-results-a-j-epenesa-marlon-davidson-winners-as-edge-rushers-and-defensive-linemen-weigh-in/
Lions 2020 Combine Preview: EDGE Rusher (A.J. Epenesa, Iowa: Epenesa is definitely a Bob Quinn / Matt Patricia type of defender. Big, long, can play against the run and gets after the quarterback with his strength. He unlikely would be taken at the third pick -- but in a trade down scenario, I could see the Lions targeting Epenesa. The one interesting part would be where he would line up with the Lions already having Flowers at down defensive end. With versatility upfront, both Epenesa and Flowers could slide to the inside on passing downs. Per Pro Football Focus, "his 91.5 career pass-rushing grade is one of the highest of any edge prospect in the class.") (2-24-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/detroit-lions-2020-nfl-combine-preview-edge-rusher
13 NFL draft prospects with something to prove at combine (A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa: In the Big Ten, Epenesa had little trouble rag-dolling offensive tackles or snaking into the backfield, racking up 22 sacks and 30 1/2 tackles for loss in the last two years. Those tactics will be considerably more difficult to pull off in the NFL, where the 6-6, 280-pound defensive end might have to generate better burst in order to disrupt consistently. The three-cone drill should be revealing in how Epenesa's explosiveness measures up relative to his peers.) (2-19-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/02/19/nfl-draft-2020-combine-players-prove-jordan-love-laviska-shenault/4798364002/
2020 NFL scouting combine preview: Defensive Linemen (Who needs to nail the athletic testing - Iowa EDGE A.J. Epenesa: Epenesa entered the 2019 season as a player scouts were drooling over, having racked up 16.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in 2018 despite not starting a single game. After a slow start to his 2019 campaign, Epenesa cranked it up like a man possessed down the stretch. He finished this past season with similar numbers (14 TFLs, 10.5 sacks, four forced fumbles), with 10.5 of those TFLs, eight sacks and all four forced fumbles in his final five contests. His performance against Minnesota was as good as you’ll see from a pass rusher in this class. But he’s a power-based player who appears to lack a little twitch and burst. At 6-foot-6 and 277 pounds, Epenesa profiles more as a base end than as an edge-bending terror. We’ve compared him, style-wise, in the past to New Orleans Saints pass rusher Cameron Jordan, who was a late first-round pick in the 2011 class. Jordan put up solid numbers at the combine that year but was below-average in his vertical jump (31 inches). Epenesa needs to display solid (or better) numbers across the board to solidify that mid-to-late first-round landing spot, we believe.) (2-19-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/2020-nfl-scouting-combine-preview-defensive-linemen-140009011.html
Detroit Lions 2020 NFL Combine preview: Defensive line (A.J. Epenesa, edge, Iowa: Epenesa would be a good scheme fit in Detroit, but it's difficult to imagine a scenario where he's available for the team to select. Even with a trade down, it would probably be too early for a player with his measurables and skill set. Bigger and stronger than Young, Epenesa won't have any trouble setting an edge at the next level, while his power and hands should allow him to be above-average as a pass rusher.) (2-17-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/17/detroit-lions-2020-nfl-combine-preview-defensive-line/4759485002/
2020 Combine Preview: Edge rusher (3. A.J. Epenesa, Iowa, 6-6, 280: A heck of an athlete, Epenesa was an all-state basketball player and won back-to-back discus state titles in high school. He had 16.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks as a rotational player in 2018. He followed that up with 14.0 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks this past season. He can play in all schemes, and his strength and production stood out the last couple years.) (2-17-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2020-combine-preview-edge-rusher-young-chaisson
2020 NFL Draft edge rusher rankings: Chase Young in a class by himself, but there could be many early picks (A.J. Epenesa, Iowa: Epenesa is unique because he could be classified as a defensive lineman at his size. He is not as quick or explosive, but he is strong and polished. The Illinois native could do a better job developing counter moves, but his hand fighting is some of the best in this class. The Falcons make a lot of sense as a landing spot for him.) (2-17-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-edge-rusher-rankings-chase-young-in-a-class-by-himself-but-there-could-be-many-early-picks/
2020 NFL Draft: Edge rusher rankings, top prospects (2. A.J. Epenesa, Iowa (JR, 6'6", 280 pounds): Epenesa lacks the elite get-off that the other top pass-rushers in this class possess, but he has great size, length and strength. With heavy and active hands and physicality at the point of attack, Epenesa has a strong bull rush and a varied repertoire of pass-rushing moves in his toolbox. A high-floor prospect, the former Hawkeye can play end in either a 4-3 or 3-4 alignment. Highly productive as a non-starter in 2018 (10.5 sacks and 16.5 TFL), Epenesa started 2019 slowly, but closed the year with eight sacks and four forced fumbles over his final five games.) (2-17-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/02/17/nfl-draft-2020-edge-rushers-rankings-best-prospects
Tony Pauline Mailbag: Are the Dallas Cowboys planning “a big splash” in the NFL Draft? (Who is your second-ranked pass rusher in the draft, and what’s the gap between him and Chase Young? It falls off a cliff after Young. If you’re asking about a pure edge rusher, it would be Penn State’s Yetur Gross-Matos. If it’s a defensive end who can also rush the passer, then it would be Iowa’s A.J. Epenesa.) (2-12-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/pauline-mailbag-dallas-cowboys-planning-big-splash-nfl-draft/
2020 NFL Combine: Defensive End, Edge Rusher Prospects, Invites, What To Watch For (2. AJ Epenesa, Iowa 6-6, 280 (1) - Why He’s Here On The List: He’s the biggest of the true defensive ends at the combine, and he’s also among the most productive. He led the Hawkeyes with 11.5 sacks with 14.5 tackles for loss to go along with 49 tackles, with the ability to take his game up a few levels in key moments to take over games – he destroyed USC in the Holiday Bowl win. What The NFL Types Want To See: Does he have the explosiveness to be a true next-level pass rusher? He might be a jack-of-all-trades, and he might be good no matter where he plays or what he does, but does he have something that makes him an all-star talent in any one way? If he can look like a speed rusher to go along with his size, look out. Bottom Line: A great all-around part for any line, he can work as a quick, undersized pass rushing tackle in some schemes, or be a playmaker in the backfield for other lines. As versatile as any defensive linemen in the draft – at least at a high level – he’s a sure-thing first rounder who can be a top 15 pick with a great workout.) (2-11-20): https://collegefootballnews.com/2020/02/2020-nfl-combine-defensive-end-edge-rusher-prospects-invites-what-to-watch-for
2020 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Edge Defenders (2. A.J. EPENESA, IOWA (Draft Board Rank: 14th): Epenesa has been balling for the Hawkeyes ever since he earned a 78.8 pass-rushing grade on 326 snaps as a true freshman in 2017. He has a surprising amount of bend for a player his size and can win in a number of different ways. Chiefly among them is his bull-rush, which figures to be his calling card at the NFL level. Epenesa is a consistent pocket pusher who can play the run from virtually any alignment. Teams that covet versatile edge defenders should have Epenesa rated highly. The biggest question that surrounds Epenesa is this: Why was a 6-foot-5, 280-pounder with immense physical tools rarely so dominant? Only his game against Minnesota this season earned a grade higher than 80.0. It's also concerning, to say the least, that his grade took a healthy drop on a full-time workload this past season — he went from 90.1 overall on 412 snaps in 2018 to 85.5 overall on 767 snaps this year. In a fairly weak edge class, though, don't expect Epenesa to last long.) (2-3-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-position-rankings-edge-defenders
2020 NFL Draft prospects similar to Super Bowl stars (Frank Clark (Comparison: A.J. Epenesa, Iowa): Clark is a powerful defensive end with more athletic prowess than most 270-plus pound players at his position, and he acclimated quickly to the NFL thanks to a polished collection of pass-rushing moves. Add 10 pounds, and that's basically the scouting summary on Epenesa. You see 6-6 and 280 pounds on film, and you think "OK, he's going to be a bull rusher who's strong against the run." Then you see the Iowa star bend the edge on one play to generate pressure then swim back to the inside on the next pass play, leaving the tackle totally out of position, you think "OK, this guy's a stud." Because of the weight difference, Clark does have more juice than Epenesa, and as prospects, Epenesa is probably a little stronger at the point of attack. But if you want a decently refined power rusher in this class, a defender with Clark-like characteristics, look no further than Epenesa.) (1-30-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/super-bowl-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-who-resemble-star-players-that-helped-chiefs-and-49ers-reach-super-bowl/
Senior Bowl Rumors Tuesday (The media has given a lot of hype to Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa after three strong seasons playing for the Hawkeyes. While some media pundits have projected him as a high first-rounder, multiple team sources say they have him lower. They project Epenesa to go in the back half of the first round during the 2020 NFL Draft, but some teams gave him a high second-round grade. They feel Epenesa has some stiffness as an edge defender and is not a great fit to be a pass-rusher in a 4-3 scheme in the NFL. Each team evaluator thinks Epenesa's best fit would come as a 3-4 defensive end. Thus, don't be surprised if Epenesa ends up going a little lower than expected in the 2020 NFL Draft.) (1-21-20): http://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Senior-Bowl-Rumors-Tuesday
Latest news and rumors around the NFL from the Shrine Game (Now that Iowa Hawkeyes DE AJ Epenesa has declared for the 2020 NFL Draft, what is his ceiling/floor from a draft projection? I presently grade him somewhere between picks 18-35. Are there teams that could see Epenesa only a DE rather than an EDGE out of Epenesa? I absolutely believe the answer is yes. I don’t view Epenesa as a great edge rusher or a pure pass rusher; rather, a true defensive end who is solid rushing the passer and a very good run defender.) (1-16-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/latest-news-and-rumors-around-nfl-from-shrine-game/
Iowa EDGE A.J. Epenesa declares for 2020 NFL draft (1-14-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/14/2020-nfl-draft-a-j-epenesa-iowa-declares/
NFL Mock Draft 2020: 3 targets for Detroit Lions in first round (A.J. Epenesa, Edge Rusher, Iowa: Let’s quickly get this out of the way, Chase Young is better than Epenesa, and its not even close. Young is a generational talent that can do it all and make an impact on every play. The only reason we are discussing Epenesa is because Young will be drafted ahead of the Lions. I simply can’t imagine a scenario where Washington doesn’t take Young at #2. Epenesa wouldn’t be the worst consolation prize for the Lions, big and powerful, Epenesa isn’t your prototypical edge rusher that uses speed and athleticism to get to the Quarterback. Instead, Epenesa runs through blockers, destroying pockets, forcing opposing Quarterbacks to miss their marks. NFL Comparison – Cameron Jordan) (1-10-20): https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2020/01/10/nfl-mock-draft-2020-3-targets-for-detroit-lions-in-first-round/
Evaluating declaration decisions (EDGE A.J. Epenesa (Iowa): Epenesa does not receive the attention he deserves. He is a great edge rusher prospect. The Illinois native is fast off the snap, strong and has an arsenal of pass rush tactics. His hand techniques are so advanced. The active defender has really improved his awareness to set the edge as well. Epenesa is a slam dunk prospect. NFL Draft projection: Top-15 pick) (1-9-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-sizing-up-early-declaration-decisions-of-tua-fromm-eason-and-more-key-prospects/
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Bowls (Up - A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa: Against USC in Iowa's bowl victory, Epenesa totaled four tackles with 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. The game makes for an excellent tape for Epenesa, showing his ability to get after the quarterback while taking on a future starting NFL offensive tackle in Austin Jackson. On multiple plays, Epenesa got the better of Jackson to record sacks, plus Epenesa knocked USC starting quarterback Kedon Slovis out of the game on a clean hit. Epenesa showed quickness to get upfield and functional strength to shed blocks. With his sturdy build, Epenesa is tough to move in the ground game, maintaining his gap integrity while contributing to tackles on running backs. On top of an excellent game against USC, Epenesa was superb in other games to close out the 2019 season. The bowl game performance will help Epenesa to get top-20 consideration next April in the 2020 NFL Draft.) (12-31-19): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_18.php
Dolphins 2020 draft needs, fits, picks (A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa: Staying in Round 1 for Miami targets, Epenesa is a defensive end ready to be a three-down player in the NFL thanks to his size, length, power and ascending pass-rushing moves. He'd instantly be the most appealing edge rusher on the roster.) (12-31-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-dolphins-team-needs-draft-picks-prospects-to-watch-for-miami/
Lions 2020 draft needs, fits, picks (A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa: Epenesa is a special pass rusher with an innate ability to strip the football. Over the past two years, he has recorded 22 sacks and eight forced fumbles. Last year's No. 7 overall selection, Josh Allen, had 24 sacks and six forced fumbles in his final two seasons of college football. Flowers and Epenesa would give Detroit a scary tandem on the edge. It would also not be a surprise to see the team target Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah early. ) (12-29-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-detroit-lions-team-needs-draft-picks-prospects-to-watch/
Tony Pauline Mailbag: NFL Draft news on Andrew Thomas, AJ Epenesa and more (Which EDGE player has the most to gain during the draft process: Penn State’s Yetur Gross-Matos or Iowa’s AJ Epenesa? They both have a lot to gain, assuming Epenesa declares for the 2020 NFL Draft. I can’t put one over the other. Gross-Matos needs to show he can add weight to his frame and has the body to hold up at the next level. With Epenesa, things such as shuttle and three-cone times are important as teams are wondering if he’s a true edge rusher. Remember that terrible shuttle and three-cone times are part of the reason why Jaylon Ferguson slipped into the third round despite the fact that the field during his Pro Day was slick as grease.) (12-27-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tony-pauline-mailbag-week-17-nfl-draft-news-andrew-thomas-aj-epenesa-and-more/
Bowl Preview: Top 10 prospects to watch on Friday, December 27 (A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa, 6-5, 284, junior, #94: Chase Young (Ohio State, DE) is the best player in this draft class, but Epenesa likely won’t be far behind him on the Lions draft board. A bigger version Trey Flowers, Epenesa would be an instant impact player on the Lions defensive line. He could be in play with their first selection, regardless of where that is. Adding Epenesa may appear redundant on the surface, but like Flowers, Epenesa isn’t limited to one position in the Lions scheme and has the ability to kick inside to the 3-technique. A trio of Epenesa, Flowers, and Da’Shawn Hand would give the Lions the positional versatility and pass rush on the defensive line they desperately require from the down defensive end and 3-technique positions.) (12-27-19): https://lionswire.usatoday.com...op-10-prospects-detroit-lions/
2019 College Bowl Preview: Holiday and Cheez-It Bowls (The Iowa Hawkeyes have plenty of elite talent on both sides for this bowl game. Offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs and defensive end A.J. Epenesa both have top-10 grades for me and are both first-round prospects… if they declare.) (12-27-19): https://www.profootballnetwork...ew-holiday-and-cheez-it-bowls/
Prospects to watch in Holiday Bowl (A.J. Epenesa, EDGE: Epenesa has a gargantuan frame at 6-4 and 280 pounds and plays with decently heavy, active hands. There's power in every rush for him, and while he's not a Gumby-like prospect around the edge, but has more bend that you'd typically see from a defender of his size. He should acclimate quickly and be a three-down player but he'll have to get more efficient with his handwork and quicker winning with power to be a stud pass rusher in the pros. ) (12-20-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/holiday-bowl-time-tv-channel-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-usc-vs-iowa/
1 NFL draft prospect from each 2019-20 college football bowl game worth watching (Holiday Bowl -- Iowa vs. USC: A.J. Epenesa is the name to watch in this matchup featuring power five conference teams. The 6-foot-6, 280-pound defensive end has 34.5 tackles for loss and 24 sacks in 36 career games at Iowa. The idea of putting the former five-star recruit on the other side of Trey Flowers should be an appealing one for the Detroit Lions. ESPN’s Todd McShay had Epenesa going No. 29 to the New Orleans Saints in his first mock draft.) (12-20-19): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/12/1-nfl-draft-prospect-from-each-2019-20-college-football-bowl-game-worth-watching.html
On menu of 10 first-rounders, options are tantalizing for Lions (A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa: The next-best edge option after Young, Epenesa offers teams a bigger frame on the outside. At 280 pounds, he moves exceptionally well, and has always proved problematic to stop on the rush, winning more than 20 percent of the snaps during his time with the Hawkeyes, while tallying 29 tackles behind the line the past two seasons. Given his ability to set a dominant edge, he actually might be a better scheme fit than Young.) (12-20-19): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/12/20/detroit-lions-10-first-round-menu-options-tantalizing/2685101001/
2019 College Bowl Games: Confidence football pool picks (Defensive end A.J. Epenesa has been one of the most disruptive edge defenders in the nation with 12.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks on the season. And while Iowa's defense hasn't created many turnovers this season, they have forced eight turnovers in their last four games.) (12-14-19): https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/2019-college-bowl-games-confidence-football-pool-picks-predictions-from-unbiased-computer-model/
Epenesa Will Play In Holiday Bowl (12-8-19): https://www.si.com/college/iowa/football/fbc-epenesa-120819/
5 defensive linemen who could make sense for Detroit Lions’ defense in NFL draft (Iowa DE A.J. Epenesa -- The prospect of placing A.J. Epenesa on the other side of Trey Flowers on Detroit’s defensive line should be an appealing one. He’s a former five-star recruit, and has impressive length and athleticism. Epenesa has racked up 24 sacks, 34.5 tackles for loss, seven passes defended and a whopping eight forced fumbles in three seasons at Iowa. He’s listed at 6-foot-6, 280 pounds and has received a PFF grade of 90.0 in the pass rush over the last six games of the season. “His 21.1% career pass-rushing win rate is higher than last year’s first-rounders Clelin Ferrell, Brian Burns, Montez Sweat, L.J. Collier and Rashan Gary had in their best seasons,” the analytics site writes of Epenesa. “His versatility is perfect for Matt Patricia’s scheme and would give them a lot of options opposite Trey Flowers.”) (12-6-19): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/12/5-defensive-linemen-who-could-make-sense-for-detroit-lions-defense-in-nfl-draft.html
Darkhorse NFL Draft Top-5 Picks: Justin Herbert leads list (A.J. Epenesa, Edge, Iowa: For the first half of the 2019 NCAA football season, A.J. Epenesa’s play was quite disappointing. In the last few weeks, however, he has exploded. He has now racked up 9 sacks on the season, including 5.5 sacks in his last four games. Now, it is not certain that Epenesa will declare for the 2020 NFL draft, as Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline points out but if he does, he is destined to be a high selection. What does Epenesa do well? Epenesa plays with power and utilizes his violent hands to shed blockers. He also utilizes his length well, can bull rush exceptionally well and is elite when it comes to setting the edge. Did I mention that he is powerful? Check out the clip below to see Epenesa use his hands to discard blockers and strip the quarterback. I will ask again. Did I mention Epenesa is powerful? Get a glimpse of his power in the clip below. For Epenesa to end up a top-5 selection in the 2020 draft with the draft order the way it is today, he would have to be selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 5th pick. This is a very real possibility, as the Falcons are poised to lose Vic Beasley during free agency and there pass rush wasn’t good with him. Atlanta is in desperate need of an edge rusher. With that said, there is a good chance that a team like the Detroit Lions will continue losing and end up with a top-5 draft pick. If the Lions are selecting in the top-5, we can pencil in A.J. Epenesa as their pick.) (12-6-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/darkhorse-nfl-draft-top-5-picks-justin-herbert-leads-list/3/
5 early first-round 2020 NFL Draft target ideas for the Lions (A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa: Epenesa is surging at the right time for the Hawkeyes. The bulky EDGE (he’s 6-6/280) has 5.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss in the last four games. He’s back to finishing the plays like he did in 2018, when he bagged 10.5 sacks despite playing only 35 percent of Iowa’s defensive snaps. He’s very good at creating pressure off the edge with a combination of his brute power but also quick feet. Epenesa was a standout basketball player when he was younger and the footwork shows. His ability to violently stack and shed in the run game will definitely appeal to the Lions. There is some Wisconsin-era J.J. Watt to his game, and it’s even more evident when the Hawkeyes play him inside. Epenesa is not the smaller, twitchy “flamethrower” of a speed rusher that many fans covet. That could actually be a feather in his cap for Matt Patricia’s Lions, which have shown little interest in one-dimensional lightweight OLB-type pass rush specialists (think Brian Burns or Harold Landry).) (12-4-19): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/12/04/2020-nfl-draft-1st-round-target-ideas-detroit-lions/
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Week 14 (Up - A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa: Epenesa went on a tear in the final month of the regular season, and he was phenomenal against Nebraska last Saturday, putting together a massive performance. Epenesa totaled 14 tackles - nine solo - and two sacks against the Cornhuskers to help the Hawkeyes to a three-point win. Versus Illinois, he had five tackles and a forced fumble after leading the defense to a win over previously unbeaten Minnesota, racking up 2.5 sacks against the Golden Gophers. Epenesa has secured his first-round standing with his tremendous finish to the season.) (12-3-19): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_14.php
Iowa football: Epenesa, Duncan named to all-Big Ten first team (12-3-19): https://www.hawkcentral.com/story/sports/college/iowa/football/2019/12/03/iowa-football-a-j-epenesa-first-team-all-big-ten-michael-ojemudia-second-team/2601132001/
Tony Pauline’s Week 14 Risers and Sliders: Auburn’s Derrick Brown leads list of risers (Risers - AJ Epenesa/DE/Iowa: One week after I mentioned that the rumor mill has Epenesa leaning towards returning to the Iowa Hawkeyes for his senior year and scouts are disappointed in his season, the defensive end put on a completely dominant performance against Nebraska. His numbers were incredible and included 14 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. Epenesa is a big, strong three-down defender and though not the pure edge rusher many make him out to be, he plays tough, smart football and offers a large degree of scheme versatility.) (12-2-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tony-pauline-week-14-risers-sliders-auburn-derrick-brown/
NCAA College Football Week 14 Live Blog with Tony Pauline (However, the real dramatics came Friday night when the Iowa Hawkeyes won on a field goal with time expiring to beat Nebraska 27-24. A.J. Epenesa had a dominant game, which is exactly what NFL scouts want to see. However, there hasn’t been enough of that this season, which Tony Pauline alluded to in a report that was released on Friday. In fact, Pauline is hearing that Epenesa (and his teammate Tristan Wirfs) are leaning towards a return to school for their senior season.) (11-30-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/ncaa-college-football-week-14-live-blog-with-tony-pauline/
2020 NFL Draft prospects for Lions fans to watch on the day after Thanksgiving (On defense, Hawkeyes EDGE A.J. Epenesa is a 6-4, 280-pound tactician who can consistently win on the edge despite not being an elite athlete. His game is similar to what attracted the Lions to Trey Flowers, only he wins even more based on power and length than the current Lions DE. Epenesa’s ability to time his contact and moves is special.) (11-29-19): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/11/29/2020-nfl-draft-prospects-watch-guide-cfb-week-14-friday/
Tony Pauline: Will AJ Epenesa & Tristan Wirfs declare for the NFL Draft? (11-29-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/iowa-aj-epenesa-tristan-wirfs-declaring-2020-nfl-draft-pauline/
2020 NFL Draft: Top-five players at each defensive position entering College Football Week 14 (2. A.J. Epenesa, Iowa: Epenesa has been on a tear of late, with 14 pressures in his last two games. His blend of size (6-5, 280 pounds) and athleticism is rare at the position. His versatility to win inside and outside will be coveted at the next level, as well.) (11-26-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-top-five-players-at-each-defensive-position-entering-college-football-week-14
Pauline: Wirfs and Epenesa may return to Iowa and other Week 13 NFL Draft declarations (11-25-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/wirfs-epenesa-returns-overshadow-week-13-nfl-draft-declarations/
Six From Saturday: What Evaluators Like Most About Jalen Hurts (4. Iowa’s A.J. Epenesa’s big fourth-quarter sack gave the junior defensive end a flash moment in a huge spot, as the Hawkeyes dealt Minnesota its first loss. That’s nice, because his reputation has been more of a good-not-great player. The comp I’ve heard for Epenesa: Lions DE Trey Flowers.) (11-20-19): https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/11/20/jalen-hurts-oklahoma-lincoln-riley-2020-nfl-draft
College Football Week 12: 2020 NFL Draft Scouting Notes (Stock Report - Up. Edge A.J. Epenesa, Iowa: I don’t want to take full credit for Epenesa’s turn around, but ever since I openly wondered after Week 6 where the dominant Epenesa was that we saw in 2018, the Iowa edge defender owns the highest pass-rushing grade among all Power 5 edge defenders in the country (90.4). This past week he abused Minnesota left tackle Sam Schlueter for three sacks, three hits and three hurries in Iowa’s big upset victory. He also flashed his versatility with a crucial sack rushing from the interior.) (11-19-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-week-12-2020-nfl-draft-scouting-notes
College Football Week 12 Eckrich Team of the Week (EDGE DEFENDER
A.J. Epenesa, Iowa: A constant presence in the Minnesota backfield, Epenesa finally broke out at the right time for the Hawkeyes in 2019. He finished the game with nine total pressures including three sacks, each sack seemingly coming at pivotal moments of the game. He made four defensive stops in the game in total and forced a fumble as he put forth his highest-graded game of the 2019 season by a longshot.) (11-17-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-12-eckrich-team-of-the-week
NCAA College Football Week 12 Live Blog with Tony Pauline (A.J. Epenesa is a dominant player who had a great game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers today. I am not sure what the official tally will be, but he had to have at least two sacks and four pressures on the day. Epenesa’s power and violent hands are going to draw him rave reviews from the scouting community, and it is why he has a first-round grade from me right now. Keep an eye for if Epenesa declares because it is very possible that he ends up being the second EDGE taken off the board after Chase Young. NF) (11-16-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/ncaa-college-football-week-12-live-blog-with-tony-pauline/
NFL draft prospects to watch: Alabama's Jerry Jeudy needs a bounceback game (Iowa EDGE A.J. Epenesa vs. Minnesota: I found it interesting back in July when I asked Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz about Epenesa heading into this season, and it was clear that Ferentz was trying to slow the hype train. “He hasn’t even started a game for us yet,” Ferentz said, and though the full quotation was much longer, it was clear that Ferentz was sending us a message that the preseason adulation for his junior pass rusher needed to be recalibrated in the coach’s mind. The expectations for the 6-5, 277-pound Epenesa entering the season, frankly, were a bit too high. And conversely, it’s also fair to say that there has been some good play on tape from him this season that far exceeds his modest production through nine games: 22 tackles, 4.5 sacks, three passes defended and one forced fumble. Early last week against Wisconsin’s very solid left tackle, Cole Van Lanen, Epenesa tossed him aside and turned in a great strip sack early in the game that led to a Hawkeyes field goal. That said, Epenesa was held off the stat sheet almost the entire game after that. He turned in good performances in the two prior games against Purdue and Northwestern, but there has been enough inconsistency to question whether Epenesa can finish the season as a top-20 selection. There were even some whispers recently that that junior hasn’t closed the door on returning to school in 2020. So we’ll see what ends up happening, but for now we’re including him in on this year’s draft crop. And this matchup against the unbeaten Gophers at home will give him a good opportunity to get his stock cooking a bit again. Minnesota LT Sam Schlueter had a nightmare game at right tackle vs. Iowa last year, getting sent to the bench after halftime. So far this season, however, he’s been very solid at a position that loomed as a question mark entering the year.) (11-14-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-alabamas-jerry-jeudy-needs-a-bounceback-game-200049051.html
College Football Week 10: 2020 NFL Draft Scouting Notes (Stock Report - Up. Edge A.J. Epenesa, Iowa: Epenesa showed his rare blend of power and flexibility once again. He earned a 91.4 pass-rushing grade on 23 pass-rush snaps and had a crucial sack/forced fumble against Wisconsin. He literally threw left tackle Cole Van Lanen to the turf on a bull-rush towards the end of the first quarter. It was a nice reminder of how freaky the Iowa junior can be.) (11-12-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-week-10-2020-nfl-draft-scouting-notes-2
Eight first-round locks for the 2020 NFL Draft (EDGE A.J. EPENESA, IOWA: Edge is one of the easiest positions to predict from college to pro. The guys that win the most one-on-one interactions tend to do the same in the NFL. Combine a high win-rate with immense physical tools like Epenesa has, and it’s easy to see why he’s a lock. Standing 6-foot-6, 280 pounds yet moving like a man 30 pounds lighter, Epenesa has a 91.2 pass-rushing grade and 21.1 pass-rushing win rate for his career. Those would be excellent single-season figures, but Epenesa has been balling since he stepped foot on Iowa’s campus.) (11-11-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-eight-first-round-locks-2020-nfl-draft
NCAA College Football Live Blog with Tony Pauline: Week 8 (I grade Gross-Matos higher than A.J. Epenesa of Iowa, who some rank as a mid-first round pick, as I believe the PSU junior is a much more explosive and a much purer edge/pass rusher. TP) (10-19-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/ncaa-college-football-live-blog-with-tony-pauline-week-8/
NCAA College Football Live Blog with Tony Pauline: Week 7 (That was a terrific play by A.J. Epenesa of Iowa to get the sack but it illustrates my opinion on the junior; he’s not a pure edge rusher, but rather more of a power guy. He’s more strength than speed and as such, I don’t feel he’s the top-20 pick many project Epenesa to be.) (10-12-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/ncaa-college-football-live-blog-with-tony-pauline-week-7/
College Football Week 6: 2020 NFL Draft Scouting Notes (WHERE’S THE DOMINANCE FROM EPENESA?: It was supposed to be a two-horse race at the edge position heading into this season, but after six weeks, there’s no more debate. Ohio State’s Chase Young is having an all-time start to his season while Iowa’s A.J. Epenesa is mired in mediocrity adjusting to his full-time role. While Young puts up single-game pass-rushing grades of 90.0-plus week in and week out, Epenesa has yet to even crack 80.0 in any of Iowa’s five games this season. While the Iowa defense doesn’t allow as much freedom as Ohio State’s to attack, a player with Epenesa’s physical tools should be dominating regardless. He had a higher pass-rushing grade as a true freshman (78.8) than he does currently (76.8). The season is still young, but Epenesa needs to show us that dominance again soon.) (10-8-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-week-6-2020-nfl-draft-scouting-notes
Five possible Lions 2020 draft prospects: Week 6 (A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa: With the way they've been playing to start the season, it's increasingly likely Epenesa will be off the board by the time the Lions are on the clock. But things can change, so we might as well get a look. Coming out of Iowa, one of Detroit's favorite programs to pull NFL-ready talent, Epenesa is a bigger-framed defensive end, listed at 6-foot-6, 280 pounds. He has the length and strength to be an elite edge-setter against the run and his power can be impactful collapsing the pocket as a rusher. Modeling his game after J.J. Watt, Epenesa has drawn Watt-like attention from blockers early this season, resulting in the production talking a hit. He has only 1.0 sack through four games after recording 10.5 a year ago.) (10-4-19): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/04/five-possible-detroit-lions-2020-draft-prospects-week-6/3838970002/
NFL draft: Massive game for QB Jordan Love highlights 2020 prospects to watch this week (Iowa EDGE A.J. Epenesa at Michigan: It has been a curious start to the season for A.J. Epenesa, who has one sack in four games as a starter after logging 10.5 as a reserve a year ago. But the tape shows a player who is receiving constant attention and opening up plays for others. Opponents are just determined not to allow Epenesa a free run at their quarterbacks, but he’s doing a great job engaging in (and occasionally beating) the double teams he’s seeing. Iowa’s team defense — third nationally at 8.5 points allowed, fifth in total defense (251.0 yards per game) — is dominating, and Epenesa clearly is a big part of that success. Losing underrated fifth-year senior DT Brady Reiff will have an effect, too, so how that Hawkeyes’ defensive line responds will be interesting to watch. That puts some pressure on the 6-5, 265-pound Epenesa to step up his game with a bit more production, but we’re not really down on him. After all, we didn’t place him at No. 7 overall on our first 2020 mock draft for a lark. He’s that good, in our view.) (10-3-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-massive-game-for-qb-jordan-love-highlights-our-prospects-to-watch-this-week-170226018.html
NFL DRAFT PROSPECT SHOWDOWN: WEEK 6 (Michigan OT Jon Runyan vs Iowa EDGE A.J. Epenesa: Everyone with even the slightest knowledge of college football could have guessed a game between Michigan and Iowa would feature a couple of trench battles between future pros. The twist is Iowa has the pair of elite prospects instead of Michigan. After Michigan sent a pair of EDGE rushers to be top-100 picks in last year’s draft, Iowa has their own top-tier EDGE prospect in AJ Epenesa. At 6-foot-6 and 280-pounds, Epenesa is built like a strong-side defensive end who can slide inside to a 4i or 3-tech position on clear passing downs. Epenesa typically plays in a standard 7-tech alignment for Iowa, though, so it’s possible his positional flexibility is still untapped. Despite potential top-5 hype coming into the season, Epenesa has failed to produce. Draft analysts across the media spectrum are already dropping him down their boards for it. On the one hand, it’s fair to drop Epenesa a few spots in favor of other guys who are producing early on, especially with as many skill players are shooting up draft boards early this season. On the other hand, Epenesa is regularly being doubled or chipped by a tight end or running back on passing downs, especially third-and-long situations. Iowa State and Middle Tennessee, for instance, seldom let Epenesa get 1-on-1 opportunities. Jadeveon Clowney faced a similar issue in his final season at South Carolina. Now, Epenesa has never been quite as special a prospect as Clowney, but it’s still reflective of his talents that offenses feel they have to over index to ensure he does not get to the quarterback. When Epenesa does get iso situations, he shows off impressive technique and surprising lateral quickness for someone his size. He can swipe at tackle’s hands and side step them to give himself a short angle to the quarterback. Epenesa is not the bendiest pass rusher around the arc, but that is to be expected at 6-foot-6, 280-pounds. Epenesa doesn’t finish the play here, in part because of his aforementioned lack of bend, but he does a good job to sidestep the offensive tackle and force the quarterback to bail. In coming out of his stance with an inside path, Epenesa baited the offensive tackle into a tight set. The bait exposed the tackle to Epenesa’s swipe and slide, earning him a clear shot at the quarterback. Lining up opposite Epenesa will be Michigan LT Jon Runyan Jr., son of former Michigan and Philadelphia Eagles OT Jon Runyan. Runyan is not viewed by most as even a fourth-round pick like his father, but with a solid showing versus Epenesa, maybe he can change that. Runyan comes in at a thick 6-foot-5 and 321-pounds. He does not have the reach that many elite offensive tackles do, but he consistently plays with low pad level and does well to use his strength in the run game. With that combination of skills, Runyan may be better suited for guard at the next level, making a similar transition as players such as Joel Bitonio (Browns) and Zack Martin (Cowboys). Ted Thompson, the former GM of the Green Bay Packers, used to almost exclusively pick left tackles with multiple years of starting experience and then move them around the line of scrimmage, so it’s not like moving from left tackle to another position is uncommon. Regardless of what ends up being Runyan’s position in the NFL, he is going to be playing left tackle on Saturday. The Epenesa matchup would prove particularly tough for Runyan, too. Though he plays with a low pad level and decent enough pace out of his stance, Runyan too often plays with his hands out wide and allows pass-rushers into his frame. Sometimes Runyan has the balance and strength to recover, but against a truck like Epenesa, he may not be so lucky. Take this clip versus Wisconsin, for example. Runyan does well to get out of his stance and move to keep his feet in front of the pass-rusher. However, Runyan is not actively looking for a good time to strike the pass-rusher in the chest. Runyan instead waits for the pass-rusher to come to him, but in doing so, allows the pass-rusher to shoot his hands first. The shock to the chest blows Runyan back for a moment, though he is thankfully able to recover. Epenesa is a heck of a lot bigger and stronger than the Wisconsin end from this clip and will likely make Runyan regret making a mistake like this against him. That being said, if the trend of sending pass-pro help to Epenesa’s side continues, Runyan may be able to escape the game without giving up a sack. Where the matchup should be more even is on the ground. Runyan is a bouncer in the run game. His blend of low pads and thick build make him a tough matchup for defenders to outmuscle. Unlike in pass protection, Runyan also shows a mean streak in the run game. Runyan doesn’t just want to fulfill his assignment, he wants to clear defenders out of the way like a snowplow working down the curb. It’s this kind of muscle that will serve Runyan well at guard, if he were to move there. On Saturday, Runyan’s run game prowess will also serve as an advantage considering Epenesa is not the scariest run defender. Epenesa wants to bully the offensive tackle and force them to a certain area to cut run plays off, but Runyan is not the type of offensive linemen to get moved around like that. Runyan will hold his ground and then some. Given Michigan’s issues at quarterback this year, the Wolverines will desperately need Runyan and the rest of the boys up front to win in the run game. With respect to the pure one-versus-one matchup, the call has to go to Epenesa. He has proven himself to be one of the best pass-rushers in the country, even if it’s not showing up in the box score yet this season. Epenesa’s quick feet and calculated hand use at his size should prove to be too much for Runyan to handle on the edge. The two may not get many chances to face off in isolation, but when they do, expect Epenesa to put some heat on Michigan QB Shea Patterson. Advantage: Epenesa) (10-2-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/prospect-vs-prospect/nfl-draft-prospect-showdown-week-6
NFL Draft Risers and Sliders: Week 3 (Sliders - AJ Epenesa, DE Iowa: Epenesa is another prospect who is highly graded outside the scouting community, but is someone I have concerns with. During the interstate rivalry against Iowa State, a back-and-forth affair which came down to the last minute, Epenesa finished the contest with just 1 tackle and 1 QB hurry against inferior competition. More telling was the fact that on the final two plays of the game, both obvious passing situations, Iowa coaches decided to drop Epenesa into coverage rather than having him rush the passer.) (9-16-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-risers-sliders-week-3/
NCAA College Football Live Blog: Week 3 (I know there’s a lot of love for Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa and some project him as a top 20 pick – but I don’t see it. Epenesa is a solid player who put up decent numbers last season, but I don’t see an explosive, game-changing pass rusher off the edge. And too many times, I witness Epenesa controlled by opponents he should beat. Thus far against Iowa State, he’s collected 1 tackle and 1 QBH.) (9-14-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/ncaa-college-football-live-blog-week-3/
Iowa got after Rutgers in a big way and A.J. Epenesa played a large role in the victory. He had 6 QB pressures, 1 defensive stop, 23.1% pressure rate, 73.4 pass rush grade. (9-8-19): https://mobile.twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1170746877228322818
Iowa Hawkeyes: Wirfs, Espenesa stand atop strong 2020 draft class (A.J. Espenesa: Many also believe A.J. Epenesa is first-round material, something else I have a problem believing at this point. Epenesa is explosive off the edge, plays with excellent pad level as well as mechanics and goes very hard. For my tastes, Epenesa is underwhelming at times and disappears too often to be a first-round prospect. He also needs to improve his play against the run.) (8-31-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/iowa-hawkeyes-summer-grades-pauline/
NFL Draft: Big Ten defensive All-Conference preseason predictions (DL – AJ Epenesa, Iowa: Epenesa spent a majority of last season as a pass rush specialist. Iowa had two seniors that they chose to start, yet Epenesa still forced himself onto the field. It was fairly obvious that he was the most talented defender on the Hawkeye’s defense. Epenesa currently resides in my top 5 prospects for the coming NFL Draft. Despite only seeing the field for about 50% of defensive snaps, Epenesa led the conference in sacks. He finished ninth in the country with 10.5 total sacks, and all eight players ahead of him are currently on an NFL roster. Epenesa is my favorite to lead the country in sacks and he’s also my highest-rated edge defender.) (8-19-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-big-ten-defensive-all-conference-preseason-predictions/
Big Ten Preview of the 2020 NFL Draft: Buckeyes continue to churn out first-round talent post-Urban Meyer (Iowa
DE A.J. Epenesa: The 6-foot-6, 280-pound pass rusher broke out with 10.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and 16.5 tackles for loss last season. An exceptionally strong defender with "heavy hands," Epenesa is also considered elite when it comes to his ability in run support. A higher sack total in '19 will only strengthen his draft stock.) (8-15-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/big-ten-preview-of-the-2020-nfl-draft-buckeyes-continue-to-churn-out-first-round-talent-post-urban-meyer/
Tony Pauline Mailbag: NFL Draft, Jalen Thompson, and Rookie Impacts (Heading into the 2019 season and the 2020 NFL Draft, how do you stack the two elite defensive ends, AJ Epenesa and Chase Young?: I grade Young ahead of Epenesa but I think both are slightly overrated. Young has the explosiveness and athleticism you want in an elite pass rusher but he struggles handling blocks at the point. He is also streaky at times. Epenesa does not come across on film as an elite athlete but makes a lot of plays. He’s bigger and stronger than Young but I wonder – as he physically matures and fills out his frame, does he stay at defensive end in a four-man line?) (7-12-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tony-pauline-nfl-draft-jalen-thompson/
2020 NFL Draft: Chase Young and A.J. Epenesa lead EDGE class (2. AJ Epenesa: A.J. Epenesa was a highly-touted five-star recruit coming out of Edwardsville high school in Glen Carbon, Illinois. Like Yetur Gross-Matos, Epenesa lettered in football, basketball, and track in high school. What is there not to like when it comes to A.J. Epenesa’s game? He is powerful, quick, productive and plays with a non-stop motor. In addition to exhausting high levels of effort, he dominates the line of scrimmage and can overwhelm offensive tackles with pure power. He was very productive in 2018, accounting for 10.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles which led to him being named first-team All-Big Ten. Overall, A.J. Epenesa is the complete edge defender and is a likely top-five selection in the 2020 NFL Draft.) (7-4-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-young-epenesa-headline/
2020 NFL Draft Prospect Preview: A.J. Epenesa, Edge, Iowa (7-3-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-prospect-preview-aj-epenesa-edge-iowa/
2020 NFL Draft: Pair of Big Ten defensive ends could be best in class (A.J. Epenesa, Iowa: Epenesa possesses great size at 6’5 277 pounds (unofficially) but also flashes great athleticism for a big man. The Iowa defensive end got his chance to shine this year by playing in all 13 games and recording a team-high in sacks (10.5) and tackles for a loss (16.5). As a sophomore, Epenesa made his presence felt on the Hawkeyes defense. He even added four passes batted down, four forced fumbles, a fumble returned for a touchdown, and a blocked punt. All of his numbers are very impressive for a sophomore. Epenesa was in a rotation behind recently drafted Anthony Nelson and Parker Hesse (signed with the Tennessee Titans). The Iowa defense was noticeably better with Epenesa in the lineup. Most noticeably against Northern Iowa, where the defense allowed just 211 total yards of offense. (5-24-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-pair-of-big-ten-defensive-ends-could-be-best-in-class/
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