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Minnesota Vikings: First-round 2020 NFL Draft targets

By Ian Higgins

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 13: Wide Receiver Justin Jefferson #2 of the LSU Tigers celebrates as the time is ticking away during the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 13: Wide Receiver Justin Jefferson #2 of the LSU Tigers celebrates as the time is ticking away during the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 29: Defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa of Iowa runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 29: Defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa of Iowa runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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A.J. Epenesa EDGE

Iowa Hawkeyes Football
Iowa Hawkeyes Football /

Scouting Report

Projected Starters: Danielle Hunter, Ifeadi Odenigbo

With the loss of former star defensive end Everson Griffen, Minnesota needs a new threat on the edge across from Danielle Hunter. A.J. Epenesa of Iowa has fallen down draft boards after a disappointing combine as well as the rise of other edge rushers such as K’Lavon Chaisson. Epenesa does not have the same spectacular athleticism or smooth rushing style as other prospects but brings an old-school physicality to the game that will be welcome to a defense losing integral pieces.

At Iowa, Epenesa racked up 49 total tackles and 11.5 sacks in his final year by physically overwhelming opposition with his size, strength, and reach. Epenesa produced from 5-technique defensive end to 3-technique defensive tackle in both 3-4 and 4-3 fronts. His first step is enough to surprise offensive guards on the interior, and a combination of powerful stance-rocking swipe moves as well as lateral mobility give Epenesa the edge to get around the hip of a blocker and to the quarterback.

Minnesota lost a strong rusher in Griffen and could bring in an even more physical defensive end in Epenesa. His most natural position is as a conventional 4-3 end who has the freedom to both get after the passer as well as set the edge against the run using his wits and brawn together to overpower offensive tackles. He is not going to be a league-leader in sacks but should aspire to become a 6.5 sack per year player combined with effective run defense.

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