Potential first-round Eagles NFL Draft targets that aren’t DBs or WRs

A.J. Epenesa had a strong junior season and was named a Second Team All-American by the Associated Press. The former Iowa Hawkeyes standout recorded 49 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 14.5 tackles that resulted in a loss of yardage, and forced four fumbles.

Epenesa is a second-generation Iowa letterman. The varying projections on Epenesa’s stock are due to the questions about where his ceiling is, but his production and skill-set make him an attractive option nonetheless.

It sounds silly to say a six-foot-five, 275-pound defensive lineman doesn’t have impressive physical traits, but it’s fair to say that this is a prospect that won’t fit every scheme. His body-type and style of play are somewhat of a throwback.

Nowadays, 4-3 defensive ends and outside linebackers in the 3-4 scheme are believed to have twitchy athleticism, bend, and speed. No one is going to confuse Espenesa with Von Miller, but he does have “grown-man strength”.

Hand technique, power, and intelligence are how Epenesa succeeded at the collegiate level and how he’ll make an impact in the NFL. He’s forceful with his drive, and he packs a punch. Lineman that can’t match his power won’t stand a chance. He overwhelms guys by using his brute strength and hand placement. Offensive linemen with sloppy hands or guys who are unbalanced get obliterated.

Epenesa is a refined, cerebral edge player, but he’ll need to get more explosive out of his stance to make up for a lack of agility. In college, he constantly mowed down lineman with his bull rush. That will be less effective against quick-setting NFL offensive tackles, but adding some pace to his already impressive repertoire of technique could give Epenesa Pro-Bowl potential.