2020 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders hit reset at quarterback, Jets get star on edge
By Randy Gurzi
7. Detroit Lions: A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa
Head coach Matt Patricia apparently causes players to burst out into spontaneous backflips. Or at least they have a desire to. That’s at least what Mike Daniels said when discussing the reason he picked the Detroit Lions when he was cut by the Green Bay Packers.
"“Coach Patricia, flat out,” Daniels said when asked why he picked Detroit to sign with according to Tim Twentyman of the team’s official website. “He’s just a genius. He really is. He understands the game of football. He knows what it takes. So to be able to play for a coach like that it means everything. I’m really trying to be restrained right now because I’m so excited. If I could do a backflip right now I’d do one, but I can’t. I’m really excited.”"
With this draft pick, the genius gets himself another defensive lineman to utilize as they go for A.J. Epenesa out of Iowa. Already armed with free agent pick up Trey Flowers, the Lions defensive line will be quite the force should they add Epenesa as well.
Last season, Epenesa started to come around as a pass rusher and had 10.5 sacks. He has great size and strength and should continue to get after the passer in the NFL.
Patricia is a defensive-minded coach and he knows the best way to slow down an opposing offense is to get the quarterback out of his rhythm. Having two capable pass rushers will help in that regard.