A.J. Epenesa
Before the 2019 college football season concluded, it was assumed that A.J. Epenesa was a lock to be the second edge defender taken in the 2020 NFL Draft. Of course, Chase Young was always expected to the first edge defender taken.
However, even after posting 11.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in his final season at Iowa, Epenesa’s draft stock began to see a slight decline. Then, after the NFL Combine earlier this year, where he ran a 5.04 40-yard dash, there were some serious concerns pertaining to his potential at the next level.
Despite teams not knowing what position he will excel at in the NFL, Epenesa’s production could be enough to have him selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. While he’s seen his draft stock fluctuate in the months leading up the NFL Draft, Epenesa could still be one of the first edge rushers off of the board.