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Archives for April 2020

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.”’

7 thoughts and a grade on Buffalo Bills drafting Iowa DE A.J. Epenesa

‘When it comes to speed, quickness, and suddeness as a pass rusher, Epenesa isn’t nearly as gifted as other players in this draft. His combine performance hurt his draft stock, if we’re being honest. He ran a 5.04 in the 40-yard dash in Indianapolis. Only one defensive end in the Top 40 edge rushers on The Athletic’s Dane Brugler’s player rankings ran a slower time. His three-cone and short shuttle times left a lot to be desired, too. But to his credit he ran them. Most of the Top 10 at his position chose not to. Questions about how he’ll produce as a pass rush artist definitely impacted his slide.’

Buffalo Bills select Utah RB Zack Moss with pick No. 86

‘When the balls are rolled out to start camp in the summer, Moss will likely be in the thick of the competition for the No. 2 running back role behind Singletary. The Bills won’t bring back veteran Frank Gore after he spent one season in Buffalo. The Bills still have veteran T.J. Yeldon on their roster on the final year of the two-year deal he signed in 2019. Yeldon didn’t see the field much in 2019 for the Bills but he has a chance to see more because of his experience and the way he handled his role last season.’

6 thoughts and a grade on Buffalo Bills drafting Utah RB Zack Moss

‘“He’s gonna be our physical back,” Beane said. “You can use him as a zone one-cut guy but also a pound it in the gap scheme. He’s gonna be more of the physical (back) and he’s not necessarily gonna try and avoid contact. He can but I think his best thing is – last year and correct me if I’m wrong but he had zero fumbles. I love the ball security. While Devin may play more on the passing downs than him on paper, I think he can get out there and do it.”’

Bills select Iowa defensive end AJ Epenesa with second round pick

‘The 21-year old brings some much needed youth to a veteran laden group of Bills’ pass rushers. Standing six-foot, five-inches and weighing 275 pounds, Epenesa comes from a family full of athletes, including his father ’Eppy’ who is a former Hawkeye football player and his cousin Jacob Tuioti-Mariner who is a defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons.’

Iowa edge rusher A.J. Epenesa taken by Buffalo Bills in NFL Draft’s second round

‘Epenesa played the majority of his snaps as a right-side defensive end in Iowa’s 4-3 scheme that evolves into a 4-2-5 at times. His dominance for three years was a big reason why the Hawkeyes were able to win 27 games and apply plenty of quarterback pressure without blitzing. He amassed 22 sacks over his final two seasons, earning first-team all-Big Ten Conference distinction asboth a sophomore and junior before electing to skip his final year of college eligibility.’

What NFL Draft experts are saying about the Buffalo Bills selecting A.J. Epenesa at No. 54 overall

‘”It’s a very interesting pick because you’re looking at a defensive end, I think he’s more of a left defensive end. He’s one that can play over the tight end, and then when you go to the NASCAR package, you can kick him down inside. Iowa played him at the right end. The hips are not as fluid as you would like for a speed rusher coming from the right side, but I do like his position versatility. He can come inside at a defensive tackle. Good solid pick. He’ll play for 10 years and may never be a double-digit sack guy, But he’ll be a very, very productive defensive lineman.”‘