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2020 NFL Draft: 5 players Titans could take in Round 1

By Rucker Haringey

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: A J Epenesa #DL25 of the Iowa Hawkeyes speaks to the media on day three of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: A J Epenesa #DL25 of the Iowa Hawkeyes speaks to the media on day three of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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NFL Draft A.J. Epenesa
A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

3. AJ Epenesa, Iowa defensive end

Epenesa is a defensive end that’s really dividing opinion inside the scouting community. Fans of the former Iowa star point to his ability to stop the run and rush the passer as reasons why he should go in the middle of the first round. His critics point to his lack of burst on the edge as a reason why he’s better suited to be a Day Two selection.

The Titans are a team that could gamble on his ability to grow into a playmaker as a pass rusher. They could also see Epenesa as a player who could slide inside to defensive tackle on obvious pass-rushing situations. That sort of versatility would help counteract his lack of sheer speed on the edge.

At best, Epenesa can develop into a Calais Campbell style player at defensive end. That means he’d be needed to be excellent against the run at the point of attack. It’s easy to project him having that kind of impact against the run.

The question is whether he ever blossoms into a guy who can flirt with double-digit sacks. If the Titans believe that’s possible they should snap him up with their first round pick. If not, they should focus their attention elsewhere.

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