2020 NFL Draft: 10 Biggest head-turners of college football season

9. A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa

The numbers don’t tell the full story of Iowa edge rusher A.J. Epenesa. He’s having a down year, with just 21 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss compared to his sophomore season (10.5 sacks). Still, Epenesa plays the same way he always has — with raw power. The 6-6, 280-pound end is a force on the defensive front.

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Thanks to his length, he’s able to extend and use counter moves to break free of offensive tackles. No, he doesn’t have elite hand quickness but it’s adequate and he packs a powerful punch. His bull rush allows him to drive tackles back, letting him make a play on the quarterback. He’s an above-average athlete, although he’s not expected to blow up the combine.

Epenesa has a solid first step and enough speed and flexibility to bend the edge. One of his best traits, aside from his motor, is his ability to set the edge against the run. He shows great hand strength to go along with his length. Epenesa has a sturdy base that allows him to hold his ground and not be driven back by on run plays.

Whether it’s as a 4-3 end or as a five-technique in a 3-4 defense, Epenesa can man the edge. His power is second to none and makes him comparable to a player like Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Calais Campbell.