2020 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons 7-Round 2020 NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, No. 6 Overall: A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
Over the last few years, the Atlanta Falcons have targeted a certain type of edge rusher for their defense. They drafted Vic Beasley eighth overall back in 2015 and followed it up in 2017 by drafting Takk McKinley 26th overall. Both players have had ups and downs throughout their careers.
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Both players were also primarily speed rushers, who won a lot in college with their athleticism and bend around the edge. There are instances where that hurts teams, especially in the run game. If you have rushers trying to jump around tackles on the outside, it makes it easier to open up lanes.
The Atlanta Falcons need to change the identity of their defensive line, and it starts by finding an edge rusher who can be a true three-down defender. Iowa’s A.J. Epenesa is that guy. While Chase Young gets all the hype (and rightfully so), Epenesa is a strong rusher with good technique and hand usage. He also fits into the identity of a three-down defender because he can set the edge with powerful hands and a powerful lower half.
Adding Epenesa to the mix certainly takes the pressure off of Grady Jarrett to make things happen in the run game and frees up Beasley and McKinley to come in on passing downs to get after the quarterback.