‘Epenesa was widely thought to be a first-round talent. He put up big numbers in three years with the Hawkeyes, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors as a junior last year after finishing with 49 tackles, including 14.5 for loss, 11.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. That followed up a sophomore season in which he finished with 37 tackles, including a team-leading 16.5 for loss, 10.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.’
Archives for April 25, 2020
A.J. Epenesa was the right guy at the right position for Bills
‘A.J. Epenesa gives them the edge-rushing force they absolutely needed despite the defense’s overall prowess.’
Bills find a defensive end with Phil Hansen qualities in A.J. Epenesa
‘Epenesa is a monster setting the edge. He can match up with New England’s power right tackle, Marcus Cannon. The Jets’ Chuma Edoga and Miami’s Jesse Davis, the other two AFC East right tackles, are not moving Epenesa in the run game.’
5 things about Bills second-round pick A.J. Epenesa of Iowa
‘His combine numbers, however, caused him to slip a bit. His 5.04 time in the 40-yard dash was worst among defensive ends and 32.5-inch vertical leap was eighth.’
Buffalo Bills, Independent Health have a challenge for you
‘Those who register before Monday will receive early access to special discounts, at-home workout videos, and healthy recipes and health tips from Phillips.’
Bills add Utah RB Zack Moss with third-round pick, No. 86 overall
‘Moss, 5-foot-9 and 205 pounds, was named the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2019 after rushing for 1,416 yards (108.9 yards per game) and 15 touchdowns. He became the first player in program history to have three 1,000-yard rushing seasons, finishing with 1,096 yards in 2018 and 1,173 yards in 2017.’
5 things about Bills third-round running back Zack Moss
‘Some of the buzz might have cooled on Moss when he ran 4.65 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. Moss had a private workout and was timed at 4.52, noting that he wanted to “prove myself again in the 40-yard-dash.”‘
NFL Draft: Buffalo Bills take Iowa edge rusher A.J. Epenesa in second round
‘“I mean, I knew my time would come,” Epenesa said of having to sit through Thursday night without getting picked. “I was just waiting for my name to be called and it was a little disappointing, but I’m very excited to be part of this organization. To be able to go to Buffalo, I had a lot of good conversations with their coaching staff and I’m really looking forward to it.”’
3 things to know about Buffalo Bills No. 54 overall pick A.J. Epenesa
‘“I’m going to be honest, I don’t know much about any NFL team,” he said at the Combine. “I didn’t watch a whole lot of NFL ball this year other than obviously everyone knows the star players and everything and I followed it a little bit growing up. But I can’t say I know a lot about a lot of teams.”’
Buffalo Bills draft physical Utah running back Zack Moss in third round
‘That’s exactly the point. With Frank Gore gone, the Bills had to bring in a No. 2 back to share the load with Singletary, something they weren’t going to get from T.J. Yeldon, Taiwan Jones and Christian Wade. Moss should be able to step right in and contribute immediately.’
Zack Moss: 3 things to know about Buffalo Bills third-round pick
‘Moss’ cousins Santana and Sinorice Moss are NFL wide receivers. Zack Moss not only chose to play a different position, he selected a different college. Santana and Sinorice played at the University of Miami. Zack Moss originally committed to the Hurricanes but changed his mind and opted for Utah.’
Bills select Iowa DE AJ Epenesa with 54th pick in NFL draft
‘In a poll of ESPN, Ourlads Scouting, Pro Football Focus, CBS Sports and Bleacher Report, the consensus was that the two-time All-Big Ten selection was the 19th highest graded player in the draft. He was also the third-ranked defensive end behind Ohio State’s Chase Young who went second overall, and K’Lavon Chaisson of LSU taken 20th, by Washington and Jacksonville, respectively.’
What positions will the Bills target today?
‘But he also admitted that when the lottery got to the fourth or fifth round, the picks would likely be decided by need, noting that a fifth-rounder, for instance, who was the best player on the board, might not make Buffalo’s roster. Thus, Beane indicated, those last five choices would likely be selections at positions where depth was needed.’
Buffalo Bills draft Iowa edge rusher A.J. Epenesa with No. 54 pick
‘Epenesa was projected to be a first-round pick early on in the draft process but his stock has fallen over the past few months. He struggled at the combine, not testing as well as some of the other edge rushers in the class.’
Bills’ A.J. Epenesa will play with ‘even bigger chip on shoulder’ after falling in draft
‘“I’m disappointed and those words don’t necessarily do it justice,” Epenesa said. “But I’m happy to be a part of this organization. I’m very happy that they’re going to be able to give me an opportunity. But now it’s time to prove people wrong. It’s time to prove what I can do and showcase it. (I have to) play with a chip on my shoulder like I’ve always done. But I feel like that chip’s just a little bit bigger now.”’