Fansided

Buffalo Bills 2020 NFL Draft grades: A.J. Epenesa adds pass rush

By Logan Jakubajtys

EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 26: A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes on the sidelines in the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 26, 2019 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 26: A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes on the sidelines in the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 26, 2019 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
AJ Epenesa, Iowa Hawkeyes
IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 16: Defensive end A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyesputs pressure during the second half on quarterback Tanner Morgan #2 of the Minnesota Gophers on November 16, 2019 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

Scouting Report. DE. A.J. Epenesa. 54. player. Pick Analysis. Iowa. 16

There is no doubt that Iowa’s edge player A.J. Epenesa has first round talent. The Bills though, are lucky that he fell all the way down to No. 54 where they selected him with their first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He is a stud, and surely improves their defense going forward.

Epenesa, while capable, will not be relied on immediately to put up big numbers. He will likely rotate with veterans Jerry Hughes, Mario Addison, and Trent Murphy for playing time, and will be able to develop and improve for the pro game. He lacks the speed and burst, and overall athleticism, of other more typical pass rushers.

Epenesa makes up for it with a high motor though. He will have to develop some more skills as a rusher, and as a depth piece will have the ability to do so.

Buffalo essentially got a first round player near the end of the second round by standing pat. It was a perfect pick for Sean McDermott and the Bills at this spot, and Epenesa lands in a situation where he could potentially thrive.

Don’t be surprised if you hear Epenesa’s name being called for the Pro Bowl in a few short seasons, as he has the character, work ethic, and skills to get there.

Home/Buffalo Bills