vel Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 It's draft season. Whether you like it or not, it's time to start getting familiar with who could potentially become a Falcon in April. AJ Epenesa is one that has been on the radar for a while now. He's a 6'6 280lb behemoth off the edge from Iowa. No, he's not going to blind you with speed or bend, but he'll kick *** for 60 minutes outside and inside. Here's a quick scouting report from The Falcoholic: Quote A.J. Epenesa Scouting Report Height: 6’6 Weight: 280 pounds Career stats: 37 career games, 101 total tackles, 36 tackles for loss, 26.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles Games watched: 2018 vs. Mississippi State, 2018 vs. Nebraska, 2019 vs. Minnesota, 2019 vs. Nebraska, 2019 vs. Michigan Strengths Epenesa will enter the 2020 NFL Draft as one of the top pass rushers in the entire draft. If not for Ohio State’s Chase Young, Epenesa would stand alone at the top amongst all pass rushers in this class. A broad shouldered defender, Epenesa comes equipped with a favorable NFL frame. Epenesa is not the most versatile defensive lineman you would ever come across but at times, Epenesa has been seen rushing the passer from the 3-Tech spot and able to beat opposing guards with ease. One of Epenesa’s best traits is his capability to effectively club away the hands of offensive tackles immediately out of his stance. When Epenesa must counter and disengage from blockers, he has been seen rag-dolling linemen out of his way. Epenesa has plenty of power in his arsenal and can be a consistent anchor and not playing on his heels. As a run defender, Epenesa is more than capable of setting the edge and not allowing easy run lanes on the boundary. There were a number of times during the 2019 season that he was game planned out of the run game as offenses ran away from him. He will utilize his suitable length to rake away the football if unable to get to the quarterback. Over the last five games of the 2019 season, he totaled eight sacks, by far the best five game stretch of his collegiate career. Weaknesses There are very few glaring weaknesses in Epenesa’s overall game and he departs Iowa as a near-finished product at this point. Due to his average get off and overall athleticism, Epenesa will not likely turn heads with a 3-cone drill or a swift 10-yard split in the 40-yard dash. Only posting 3.5 sacks in the first eight games of the 2019 season was slightly alarming in a season where he was expected to have a monster year. His awareness/play diagnosis is average at times and shows a tendency to react slightly late. He also has a very good motor but will not be much use when it comes to chasing plays down the field due to a lack of speed and acceleration. Conclusion Even with just three seasons at Iowa, Epenesa is one of the safest picks in the entire NFL Draft. It’s easy to notice that Epenesa plays with discipline and toughness thanks to the tutelage of Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz. Thanks to a polished skill set and technique, Epenesa can give the Falcons a desperately needed punch in the pass rushing phase. Although he is viewed a rival, New Orleans Saints defensive end Cam Jordan is the best comparison to make when it comes to finding someone that models Epenesa’s game. Epenesa is one of those prospects that can also be a leader in the locker room and one that can set a standard for a defense. It is not a guarantee that Epenesa will be available once the Falcons are on the clock as he is viewed as a top-12 prospect by many. If he is, however, this should be a no-brainer for a team that needs to considerably upgrade its ability to get after the quarterback. For me, Epenesa can be a very good pick or a bust (I mean, that applies to everybody right?). He's very good on the edge, but will his lack of speed be an issue. A guy that he compares favorable too though? Cameron Jordan (ironically, developed under Tosh Lupoi at Cal). He was a board favorite back in 2011. Jordan was 6'4 287lbs coming out and he didn't really blow up the combine. He did have a pretty good Senior Bowl, which helped solidify his stock. I see Epenesa similar, without a Senior Bowl to play in. He's a bigger end. He's physical, but has refined hand usage to win soft edges and the power to bull rush guys. He's shown consistent growth and development at Iowa. For me, Epenesa is a complementary pick. We'd have to add another DL with him to maximize his potential impact. If we added a guy like Raekwon Davis next to him, THEN you'd be cooking with hot fish grease in the south. He's a guy who can control the LOS on base downs and win inside on third and longs. Overall, I see him as an attractive prospect and a potential pick for the Falcons at #16. He fits what they need in the front seven to stop getting pushed around. But if they don't have a bigger plan with the DL, Epenesa will not move the needle by himself. PeytonMannings Forehead, FalconsIn2012, Artys Arryn and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tribal Chief Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 Can play both in and out. I'll gladly take him depending on what free agency brings vel, Geneaut, PeytonMannings Forehead and 5 others 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boise Falcon Fan Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 I haven't watched him, but reading the cons on him, I am concerned that he would turn out to be another failure for us on the edge. Lack of athleticism and speed concerns me. Also, "his play diagnosis...", not sure I like that either. I'll pass. Flying Falcon 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vel Posted January 14, 2020 Author Share Posted January 14, 2020 4 minutes ago, Boise Falcon Fan said: I haven't watched him, but reading the cons on him, I am concerned that he would turn out to be another failure for us on the edge. Lack of athleticism and speed concerns me. Also, "his play diagnosis...", not sure I like that either. I'll pass. Gotta watch him. He's not as athletic as Vic, so yes there is a lack of athleticism when you compare him to the highly athletic edge guys, but as we've so clearly learned, athleticism isn't what wins. Also, the play diagnosis claim is one I don't agree with and Eric is the first one I've seen make any mention of it. Again, you can't pass until you watch him. jeffro2000, PeytonMannings Forehead, Ovie_Lover and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vel Posted January 14, 2020 Author Share Posted January 14, 2020 11 minutes ago, ya_boi_j said: Can play both in and out. I'll gladly take him depending on what free agency brings Personally, they better sign Graham Glasgow. We don't have an LG right now (They refuse to give Gono any real shot so I'm not banking on him). Glasgow steps in day one and gives you a solution at LG and a complete OL. At that point, you don't need anything on offense other than a RB. Jumpin Jehosaphat, Drunken Minotaur Zebra, FalconsIn2012 and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ike barn87987 Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 5 minutes ago, vel said: Personally, they better sign Graham Glasgow. We don't have an LG right now (They refuse to give Gono any real shot so I'm not banking on him). Glasgow steps in day one and gives you a solution at LG and a complete OL. At that point, you don't need anything on offense other than a RB. Yep. That’s what I’ve been saying. I want K9 at 16 tho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconFanSince1969 Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 Pass on him. Not really what we need right now. If Vic walks we have no speed rusher on the team. Right now I'm really interested in k'lavon chassion. He is like isaiah Simmons in his versatility, but instead of being a lb/safety he's a de/lb. He could help fill the voids of both Vic and Campbell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vel Posted January 14, 2020 Author Share Posted January 14, 2020 2 minutes ago, ike barn87987 said: Yep. That’s what I’ve been saying. I want K9 at 16 tho. Who's K9? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconFanSince1969 Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 4 minutes ago, vel said: Who's K9? Kenneth Murray pretty sure Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying Falcon Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 17 minutes ago, vel said: Gotta watch him. He's not as athletic as Vic, so yes there is a lack of athleticism when you compare him to the highly athletic edge guys, but as we've so clearly learned, athleticism isn't what wins. Also, the play diagnosis claim is one I don't agree with and Eric is the first one I've seen make any mention of it. Again, you can't pass until you watch him. Can he beat his man 1 in 1? Can he be disruptive? That is what I look at. If he doesnt have to be schemed to get a sack, then he's a keeper. Schemes are good, but when you can line up across from your man and just kick his @$$, then you have a winner. The Daywalker, Boise Falcon Fan, papachaz and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Don™ Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 (edited) Watched his Michigan tape. Seems strong, relentless and good hand usage. Seems a little stiff and heavy footed though. I'd like to see more secondary pass rush moves. He's not gonna beat you off the edge with bend or athleticism. IDK if it's Iowa's scheme, but he seems to play contain a lot and not shooting the gap all that often. He's going to have to be coached up on technique in order to overcome his athletic limitations. Edited January 14, 2020 by The Don™ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwifalcon Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 30 minutes ago, vel said: Gotta watch him. He's not as athletic as Vic, so yes there is a lack of athleticism when you compare him to the highly athletic edge guys, but as we've so clearly learned, athleticism isn't what wins. Also, the play diagnosis claim is one I don't agree with and Eric is the first one I've seen make any mention of it. Again, you can't pass until you watch him. I’ll dig deeper but I did notice hand usage. Alot of those plays looked unblocked. Run game defense is important too me that’s a place we have to get better on the edge this off season.Thats where I start with DEs arm lock out,not giving ground and shedding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Summerhill Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 41 minutes ago, Boise Falcon Fan said: I haven't watched him, but reading the cons on him, I am concerned that he would turn out to be another failure for us on the edge. Lack of athleticism and speed concerns me. Also, "his play diagnosis...", not sure I like that either. I'll pass. You have to know going in he's not a quick twitch speed rusher and have to be ok using the #16 pick on a 2-way run and pass defending 8-sack per year type player. Flying Falcon 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying Falcon Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 3 minutes ago, Summerhill said: You have to know going in he's not a quick twitch speed rusher and have to be ok using the #16 pick on a 2-way run and pass defending 8-sack per year type player. True. And maybe he can beat his man and get there with brute strength, technique, and football instincts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boss Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 He's my 1st choice unless Isaiah Simmons hasn't been drafted papachaz 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconofShadows Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 1 hour ago, FalconFanSince1969 said: Pass on him. Not really what we need right now. If Vic walks we have no speed rusher on the team. Right now I'm really interested in k'lavon chassion. He is like isaiah Simmons in his versatility, but instead of being a lb/safety he's a de/lb. He could help fill the voids of both Vic and Campbell Not a fan at all of Chassion. Being sold as a pass rusher and have seen nothing that looks promising in his tape ike barn87987 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smiler11 Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 I prefer YGM if we go the pass rusher route. kiwifalcon 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconfanEST1989 Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 Not gonna lie.... I want Isaiah Simmons, but if hes gone AJ Ep, is the.nExt best guy.... big 10 DE's are usually really good, and imho they play against the perennial best linemen in the country PeytonMannings Forehead 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconfanEST1989 Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 1 minute ago, Smiler11 said: I prefer YGM if we go the pass rusher route. Not a fan of YGM, reminds me of a taco Charlton type guy. AJ reminds me of the Bosa brothers. He has a lot of fire in him Flying Falcon 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeytonMannings Forehead Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 I don’t even care what he runs. He could be our Michael Bennett — that moveable chess piece along the line who created all kinds of matchup nightmares. And he’s even longer. Any chance he drops to 16? Flying Falcon, A-TowN.-, Boise Falcon Fan and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A-TowN.- Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 I still like him a lot. Lots of people have cooled on him, but I still think he is a top talent in this draft. Doesn’t have the best speed and bend around the edge, but he’s got an unmatched combination of length and strength. Really improved his hand usage this year too. Iowa does a lot of run reads and contain assignments on the edge, so he didn’t get to pin his ears back on every passing down, but when he did he was really impressive. His games versus Austin Jackson at USC (a potential first round talent) is very impressive. His last 5 games of the year he had 8 sacks, 11 TFL, and 28 tackles. I think he takes plays off at times, but he’s got incredible potential. Artys Arryn and vel 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwifalcon Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 23 minutes ago, Smiler11 said: I prefer YGM if we go the pass rusher route. But I’ll take Simmons over all of em if he’s available. Chess piece right there. Wouldnt mind seeing more base defense on the field. or a 3 safeties either that’s the sought of player Simmons is. blkbigdog35 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smiler11 Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 15 minutes ago, falconfanEST1989 said: Not a fan of YGM, reminds me of a taco Charlton type guy. AJ reminds me of the Bosa brothers. He has a lot of fire in him Chase Young reminds me of the Bosa brothers. Don't see that in AJ - he's just not the same type of player or athlete. He's more in the Cam Jordan mold. ATLSlobberKnockers 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Summerhill Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 20 minutes ago, falconfanEST1989 said: Not a fan of YGM, reminds me of a taco Charlton type guy. AJ reminds me of the Bosa brothers. He has a lot of fire in him It's possible Charlton is a decent player. He was instantly much better in Miami than he ever was in Dallas. That said, Charlton didn't really assert himself as a top NFL talent until his senior season. Epenesa was a stud by his sophomore season. He's much more advanced than Charlton. ATLSlobberKnockers 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smiler11 Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 3 minutes ago, kiwifalcon said: But I’ll take Simmons over all of em if he’s available. Chess piece right there. Wouldnt mind seeing more base defense on the field. or a 3 safeties either that’s the sought of player Simmons is. Simmons is a freak Charles Wright and kiwifalcon 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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