2020 NFL Draft: A.J. Epenesa a perfect fit for Buffalo Bills
Love this pick for the Buffalo Bills. A.J. Epenesa is going to fill a major role for this team and they are going to know how to use him the right way.
The Buffalo Bills had to wait until the 54th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft to make a selection, but they made the most of their first selection. A.J. Epenesa was once considered a top 10 player in the 2020 NFL Draft class. However, he did not have as dominant of a 2019 season as we expected and did not test well at the NFL Scouting Combine. However, make no mistake about it, Epenesa is a good football player who is going to fit well with the Buffalo Bills.
Epenesa is an extremely powerful edge defender who is a tough and reliable player on the outside. Epenesa is extremely powerful at the point of attack and shows the ability to consistently set the edge. He does not have an overly explosive first step in the pass rush, but Epenesa does get some solid upfield burst on the outside. He is not an athletic edge rusher, but I think Epenesa can create some pressure on the edge as a power rusher.
Late in the 2019 season, Iowa started to move Epenesa inside more. He was able to create some pressure as an interior rusher on passing downs and I wonder if he could have some success with that at the next level. I hope that the Buffalo Bills at least give him that chance.
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Regardless, this is a great pairing here. The Bills have a need at the edge rusher position and head coach Sean McDermott has a history of success with big and powerful players on the edge. Epenesa is never going to fill up the stat sheet but is a talented player who can come in and make an immediate impact. Great value selection at a position of need for the Buffalo Bills.