2020 NFL Draft: Jerry Jeudy slides in this three-round NFL mock draft

The New York Jets would love to find a franchise left tackle with their first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, but taking any of the remaining left tackles here would be a reach. Instead, the Jets attack their needs on the other side of the ball, taking Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa.

Epenesa is one of the best defensive players in the 2020 NFL draft class and is a safe bet to be an impact player at the next level. He is a power-based defensive lineman who can consistently win with a bull rush if he wants. Epenesa’s game is built on power, but do not sleep on his athleticism on the outside.

The Iowa product is extremely quick off of the ball and creates consistent upfield burst as a pass rusher. He does not have elite bend around the edge, but he can turn the corner and close on the quarterback quickly. Epenesa is not going to be a full-time around the edge speed rusher at the next level, but he can put his hand on the dirt and beat offensive tackles with his speed at times.

Personally, I like Epenesa as a defensive lineman who moves around a lot. I think you can use this guy as a defensive end in an even or odd front on early downs. He has the combination of power and speed rush as a 4-3 defensive end and can two-gap as a 3-4 defensive end. On obvious passing downs, you kick Epenesa inside and let him attack as a three-technique rusher.

Selecting Epenesa would not give the Jets the pure edge rusher who can get after the quarterback that they have been looking to land for many years. However, an interior rushing duo of Epenesa and Quinnen Williams could be absolutely devastating. The Jets could go in many different directions here, but I like the idea of them simply snagging one of the best players available and letting him wreak havoc up front.