Iowa vs. Iowa State: 2020 NFL Draft prospects to watch

A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa

A.J. Epenesa is one of the premier defensive players in all of college football and one of the top prospects in the entire 2020 NFL draft class. Epenesa has a big and strong player who shows ridiculous natural power at the point of attack. He is also a quick and explosive athlete who moves extremely well for a man of his size.

In 2019, Epenesa is a full-time player for Iowa for the first time in his career. He needs to prove that he can continue to be a consistent impact defender while receiving full-time snaps, but so far so good. Through two games, Epenesa has shown the consistent ability to play assignment football against the run and make consistent plays behind the line of scrimmage as a pass rusher.

Epenesa is the premier NFL draft prospect in this game and could have a major impact on this in-state matchup.

Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

If Epenesa is the 1A NFL draft prospect in this matchup, Iowa offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs is a close 1B. When it is all said and done, Wirfs could easily be the best offensive lineman in the 2020 NFL draft class. Wirfs is a freakishly strong player who absolutely dominates defenders at the point of attack. However, do not sleep on his ability to move.

This guy is an extremely athletic offensive who shows quick feet and great footwork in pass protection. He gets to the second-level well in the run game and absolutely dominates his opponent whenever engaged.

The injury to fellow 2020 NFL draft prospect Alaric Jackson has forced Wirfs to play left tackle this season. He has been as impressive on the left side as he is on the right, which should be great for his NFL draft stock. Make no mistake about it, Wirfs is a true franchise offensive tackle prospect who has massive upside at the next level.

However, Iowa State has an impressive group of defensive linemen. This will be a tough test for Wirfs.