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

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 14: Seattle Seahawks Head Coach, Pete Carroll speaks to Russell Wilson of Seattle Seahawks during the NFL International series match between Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /

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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 27: Austin Jackson #73 of the USC Trojans blocks A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half of the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 27, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

1. A.J. Epenesa

Epenesa is one of the most difficult edge rushers to evaluate in this class. Fans point to his violent hands as an avenue towards solid sack production at the next level. His critics accurately suggest that he’ll be limited by his lack of speed on the edge.

The Seahawks aren’t afraid to employ defensive ends who get more done with power than with speed. Frank Clark developed into a Pro Bowl player with that skill set under Carroll. Last year’s fist round pick L.J. Collier is in a similar mold.

That’s why the Seahawks could be the team to gamble on a unique prospect like Epenesa late in the first round. His size and power give him a relatively high floor as a prospect. The question is just how high his ceiling can become.

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In the end, the Seahawks coaching staff will really appreciate Epenesa’s ability to improve their pass rush and run defense. That’s why he lines up perfectly for them to select at No. 27. That’s a reach in terms of his overall ranking, but it could pay off due to his scheme fit in Seattle.

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