2020 NFL Mock Draft: Dolphins, Cowboys trade up in post-free agency 3-round mock

When the Atlanta Falcons made their run to the Super Bowl following the 2016 season, much of the credit was given to quarterback Matt Ryan and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. This was understandable as Shanahan did so well calling plays that he was hired as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Ryan also deserved a lot of credit as he was the NFL MVP that season.

While both those men were huge contributors, the Falcons defense also deserved a lot of credit for that year. And on that side of the ball, Vic Beasley was their best player. The young edge rusher had a breakout campaign, reeling off a league-high 15.5 sacks while forcing six fumbles.

Since then, the team has fallen off the map some. Ryan hasn’t had the same killer instinct and the defense has become average. Part of that also falls on Beasley as he has 18 sacks in the three seasons since and is now with the Tennessee Titans. That means Atlanta needs to find a new defensive end that can give opponents heartburn. And with that being the goal, they use the No. 16 overall pick on A.J. Epenesa from Iowa.

Beasley’s issue in Atlanta was his frame (6-3 and 245 pounds isn’t ideal for an edge in a 4-3) but that won’t be the case with Epenesa who is an imposing 6-5 and 275 pounds. He doesn’t have that explosion off the snap and isn’t a fast player by any means but he’s got power to spare and already boasts a strong collection of pass-rushing moves.