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2020 NFL Draft: AJ Epenesa, Jonathan Taylor lead week 5 watch list

By Sayre Bedinger

MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 21: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers rushes for a touchdown during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Camp Randall Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 21: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers rushes for a touchdown during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Camp Randall Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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AMES, IA – SEPTEMBER 14: Defensive end Chauncey Golston #57, left, and defensive end A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes carry the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Trophy off the field after winning 18-17 over the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa Hawkeyes won 18-17 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA – SEPTEMBER 14: Defensive end Chauncey Golston #57, left, and defensive end A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes carry the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Trophy off the field after winning 18-17 over the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa Hawkeyes won 18-17 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

The 2020 NFL Draft is loaded with talent, and Iowa DE AJ Epenesa along with Wisconsin RB Jonathan Taylor kick off week 5’s top prospect watch list.

The 2020 NFL Draft class is poised to be absolutely loaded with talent both offensively and defensively, with fascinating prospects at quarterback and all offensive skill possessions as well as a number of star pass rushers and defensive backs. This class also features two likely top 10 selections on the offensive line.

There will be more star power in this year’s draft class than we have seen in some time, purely in terms of guys at premiere positions coming out by the bunches.

Many of those top prospects will be on display in the early slate of games on Saturday, and we’ll be following along with the action to track their progress.

Which players should you be keeping a close eye on as you dig in for week five, the last college football action in September? Let’s take a look.

(14) Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Middle Tennessee State

Statistically, Epenesa is off to a slow start. Through three games, Epenesa has one sack, one tackle for loss, and five tackles in total.

That doesn’t mean Epenesa is not having a huge impact on the game in general.

He’s getting pressures, hits, making plays in the run game, and generally wreaking havoc on opposing offenses with his length, strength, and improved every-down play.

Epenesa is built like Julius Peppers at 6-6, 280 pounds, and has a chance against a weaker opponent to pad his stats for this season a little bit.

Quite possibly the top offensive tackle in the country, Tristan Wirfs has not only proven himself as a right tackle for the Hawkeyes, but in the absence of Alaric Jackson, he’s gotten the chance to put some tape out there of how he could translate to the next level as a left tackle.

Athletic and insanely strong, Wirfs is becoming an impressive technician as a tackle and looks like a surefire top 10 pick.

The Hawkeyes’ quarterback has struggled some with consistency, but he has a huge arm and is an instinctual player who can move around in the pocket, make plays with his legs when he needs to, and can certainly sling the ball downfield.

He needs to prove consistency with his accuracy, but Stanley has starter QB traits and is working on his third season in a pro-style offense run by Brian Ferentz.

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