Seattle Seahawks: 5 Top targets with No. 27 pick in 2020 NFL Draft

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Austin Jackson #73 of the USC Trojans blocks A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half of the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 27, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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Seattle Seahawks, NFL Draft (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

1. A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa

Seattle needs edge rushers desperately. Even with Clowney this season, Seattle only recorded 28 sacks, which tied for the second-fewest in the NFL. Not to mention, four of Seattle’s top six sack leaders from 2019 will enter free agency.

In his final two seasons at Iowa, Epenesa accumulated 86 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, and 22 sacks. At 6-6, 280 lbs. Epenesa is a monster with above-average athleticism for a player of his size. Pairing him with a freak athlete like Clowney could turn Seattle’s pass rush around.

The Seahawks cannot take a shot on a shaky player right now. Their last two first-round picks produced a backup running back and a rotational defensive end. Compared to those two selections, Epenesa is a safe pick. While his ceiling may not be as high as other players in the draft, teams believe he’s a reliable pick who can contribute as a regular starter immediately.

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If another team claims Epenesa, Penn State’s Yetur Gross-Matos will likely still be on the board by the time Seattle makes their first pick. Between his sophomore and junior seasons with the Nittany Lions, Gross-Matos amassed 94 tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss, and 17 sacks. If Epenesa hears his name called early, Gross-Matos could serve as a fallback plan.

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