2020 NFL Draft: Thanksgiving Day first-round 2020 NFL mock draft

6. Atlanta Falcons: A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa

The Atlanta Falcons have gone from nearly winning a Super Bowl three years ago, to now picking in the top 10 of the 2020 NFL Draft. While injuries have been a big reason for their decline, the Falcons are still in need of some playmakers on both sides of the football.

That’s why with the sixth pick of the 2020 NFL draft I have Atlanta taking a player that fits both a need, as well as someone that provides big-play ability on defense, A.J. Epenesa.

The Falcons are 30th in the NFL in sacks with just 18 through 11 games and are only ahead of the lowly Bengals and Dolphins this season. Vic Beasley is likely to be looking for a new place to play in 2020 and 2017 first-round pick, Tak McKinley, isn’t developing like the Falcons hoped he would, so getting help on the edge is a must for Atlanta going forward.

A.J. Epenesa is a gigantic defensive end prospect that would immediately help the Falcons with help getting after the quarterback. He’s 6-foot-6, weighs 280 pounds and always has a clear plan of attack when getting around blockers. His power is obvious but it’s his finesse and quick-twitch that will catch you off guard when watching him play.

Epenesa has 22 career sacks in three seasons with Iowa and should provide a spark off the edge that the Falcons have been looking for for a while.