Miami Dolphins: How to establish identity early in 2020 NFL Draft

Round 1 (Steelers Pick): Improving the pass rush

The Dolphins could end up having another pick inside the top 10 of the 2020 NFL Draft if the Steelers continue to struggle. With that said, the Fins must build around their young quarterback but not in the way some may think. The idea of taking a receiver here is enticing but teams are built inside out.

What Miami needs is a pass-rusher. In the words of the great Warren Sapp, “The front end and the back-end work together.” Without an edge rusher, corners are exposed. Xavien Howard is only as good as the men getting to the quarterback.

Taco Charlton is easily the best pass rusher on the Dolphins. He can end up being a diamond in the rough but he can’t get it done alone. Taking a player like Iowa’s A.J. Epenesa makes sense and is a perfect fit.

Although he’s taller (6-6), Epenesa fits the mold of a Cameron Jordan (Saints), weighing in around 280 pounds with insane athleticism who plays with raw power. For the Dolphins, Epenesa makes too much sense.

Head coach Brian Flores installed a hybrid scheme and Epenesa is a chess piece. He can play end in one-gap or two-gap schemes or he can kick inside at tackle. Against the run he’s an anchor because he controls his man. There aren’t many tackles that will surpass his strength. It helps that he has excellent length and a powerful punch at the point. All of the same qualities help his ability to get to the quarterback and his versatility as a player.

Epenesa is the ideal scheme versatile player Flores needs for his defense. He’ll automatically give Miami a powerful front as a plug and play prospect. The Steelers must continue to lose for this to happen, though.