Jan 1, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) reacts after a force to fumble the ball against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second quarter in the 2019 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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.
AJ Epenesa looking like @AaronDonald97 with that “power pop” move. Sell power to one side, then “pop” to the other side with a snatch/swim. Works inside or outisde.@ajepenesa24 is one of the best pass rushers in college football! #Hawkeyes #PassRush pic.twitter.com/RiTdThIE0U
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) November 17, 2019
I will ask again. Did I mention Epenesa is powerful? Get a glimpse of his power in the clip below.
AJ Epenesa with pure power and then a 280 pound leap sack pic.twitter.com/DMOgYn17aL
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) September 9, 2019
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.
