The Atlanta Falcons haven’t been the same since their Super Bowl collapse, having failed to reach the playoffs in each of the last two seasons. It’s put up or shut up time for this team, from head coach Dan Quinn to general manager Thomas Dimitroff. That starts with the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Falcons have already made it clear that they’re moving on from Vic Beasley, and that leaves a hole opposite Takk McKinley on the edge, who also hasn’t quite found it as a rusher in the NFL. It’s time for Atlanta to shift gears a little bit when it comes to looking for edge defenders. Speed rushers don’t seem to fit the mold, and that’s why they stray off the path and select A.J. Epenesa.
Epenesa brings plenty to the table as an edge rusher. Despite a slow start in 2019, Epenesa finished well in the biggest games for the Hawkeyes. He trims the edge very well, using good hand placement and power in his lower half to collapse the pocket and get to the quarterback. He can also win as a three-technique, using ample quickness to win against slower guards. Quinn will be able to move him all over the line to wreak havoc.