2020 NFL Draft: Potential first-round targets for Arizona Cardinals

In 2019, outside linebacker Chandler Jones notched a whopping 19 quarterback sacks, setting a record for sacks in a season by an Arizona Cardinal. However, Arizona struggled to get any additional production out of their other pass rushers. The next closest sack total at 5.5 sacks belongs to Terrell Suggs, whom they signed away from the Baltimore Ravens, only to release towards the end of the 2019 season.

While the Arizona Cardinals lack depth at the outside linebacker spot, the value at that specific position isn’t there at pick eight. If so, then how do the Cardinals address their pass rush? In this particular case, they go and get themselves a versatile defensive lineman like Iowa’s A.J. Epenesa.

In addition to their scarcity at outside linebacker, Arizona lacks a solid option at the three-tech and five-tech positions on their defensive line. 2019 third-round pick Zach Allen has yet to prove himself in the starting role and their situation outside of him is not great. A similar notion to the Brown selection from before, Epenesa would provide a dominant presence along their defensive line.

Standing at a whopping 6-foot-6, 280 pounds, Epenesa displays the size to play five-tech for the Arizona Cardinals. On film, Epenesa displays a great initial step, matched with a powerful lower half and a great anchor. While not a super bendy type of player, Epenesa makes up for it with sheer burst and hand technique. With a relentless motor to boot, the Iowa defensive lineman could give Arizona a great interior pass rush.