2020 NFL Draft: Iowa DL A.J. Epenesa scouting report

Complete 2020 NFL draft scouting report on Iowa defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa.

Chase Young is the top defender in the 2020 NFL draft class, but he is not the only top-level defender at the top of the class. Guys like Jeffrey Okudah, Isaiah Simmons and Derrick Brown are also possible top ten picks, but let’s not forget about Iowa defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa.

Epenesa is a former five-star prospect who came in and made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2017. Despite only playing a part-time role, Epenesa piled up 4.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss as a true freshman.

In 2018, Epenesa took his game to the next level, piling up 10.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss. Epenesa was not a starter for the Hawkeyes in 2018, sitting behind more experienced and established players. Iowa used Epenesa primarily on obvious passing downs that season and he did a great job of making the most out of his opportunities. Despite not even starting for the Hawkeyes, Epenesa led the Big Ten in sacks and was a first-team All-Big Ten selection.

In 2019, Epenesa took over a more full-time role for the Hawkeyes. Despite a slow start to the season, Epenesa really came on down the stretch and dominated at the end of the year. He finished 2019 with 11.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss and was a major reason for Iowa’s massive defensive success last season. He was a first-team All-Big Ten selection again and a second-team All-American.

Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 280 pounds

A.J. Epenesa 2020 NFL Draft scouting report

Taking on a bigger role in 2019, many expected Epenesa to come in and dominate right away. When he started a bit slow, his 2020 NFL draft stock slipped. That being said, I think Epenesa showed a more well-rounded skill-set this season.

In 2018, he was just a guy who pinned his ears back and attacked the quarterback. This season, Epenesa was much more disciplined, showing the ability to fill rushing lanes and close on the ball carrier quickly. Epenesa can still penetrate and create pressure when asked to do so, but he can also hold his own and play smart, disciplined football against the run.

When watching Epenesa on tape, the one thing that immediately stands out is his raw strength. Epenesa is incredibly powerful at the point of attack, showing the ability to reset the line of scrimmage and make life difficult for the offense. Epenesa is seemingly always in the backfield, using his strength to man-handle opposing offensive linemen.

While is not the most impressive speed rusher, Epenesa does show an explosive first step that allows him to gain an immediate advantage against the offensive lineman. Epenesa also consistently shows strong upfield burst as both a run defender and pass rusher. He does not have much bend around the edge, but Epenesa converts his speed to power extremely well and can consistently win against most offensive tackles in the bull rush.

Late in his final season at Iowa, the Hawkeyes started playing Epenesa inside more, especially on obvious passing downs. He had consistent success as an interior rusher, with his quickness and power proving to be too much for interior offensive linemen to handle.

Epenesa is listed by most as an EDGE rusher, but I prefer to call him a defensive lineman. He can play defensive end in a base 4-3 defense, but this guy is going to be at his best as an interior pass-rusher at the next level. His power is truly elite and his quickness and ability to penetrate on the inside are impressive.

Overall, Epenesa is a legitimate top-tier first-round prospect. He is scheme versatile, as I could see him having some success as a five-tech defensive end in a 3-4 defensive scheme. That being said, I think Epenesa is best suited to play in a base 4-3 defense. On early downs, he would be a strong run defender from the defensive end position. In obvious passing situations, the team that drafts him could kick Epenesa inside and let him work.

He is a rock-solid defensive lineman who can come in and immediately make an impact at the next level. His upside is based on his situation at the next level, but if Epenesa lands with a team that knows how to use him well, the sky is the limit.