RD 2, Pick 54: DE AJ Epenesa, University of Iowa

[Mr. K]

29 minutes ago, Lurker said:

 

That was a good film review and the absolute best way to look at a prospect--full game tape rather than highlight cut ups.     The one thing to keep in mind--the 2019 games reviewed here were early in the season--when Epenesa, in his own words, was struggling to learn how to handle all the double teaming he was getting.  He was much better later in the season.

 

The one thing that was worrisome to me was his ball recognition, where I disagree with you a bit.  There were a bunch of times where he seemed to lose sight of the play and it went right past him, or he could have made a better break on the runner.    He'll have to clean that up, as well as learn some more pass rush moves beyond just the bull rush...

Yeah that 7 minute marker was really the best example I saw of him keying in on the play and cutting the angle to bring down a faster guy in pursuit. There are a few negatives that need to get worked out of his game. It would be nice to see him develop some more moves for battles in the trenches. The slap is great and he has no problem setting the edge but he seems to exclusively use a bullrush or stunt.

[BillsVet]

1 hour ago, vincec said:

I don’t think McDermott believes that at all. I think he wants a dynamic, passing offense a la Andy Reid. He’s just not Andy Reid so he’s not sure how to accomplish that. They’re working on it.

 

Well if he does believe in that strategy, drafting a base DE and a slow RB probably aren't the ways to prove it. Or trading up to take an OT last year instead of a WR.  

 

I give them lots of credit for acquiring Diggs.  I just see a very conservative coach on game day and more often than not in personnel decisions.  

 

Their 2nd and 3rd round picks aren't going to change the fortunes of this franchise.  But those decisions illustrate OBD's mindset which, contrary to what management says, comes off as following the safe route.  I get why they did last night.  I just don't see it as the way to being an elite team when teams win by passing the ball and having just enough defense. 

[Dirtyd415]

17 minutes ago, Victory Formation said:

A 2nd round grade is a 2nd round grade. I’d say players taken between RDS1-3 should be starting caliber and if you’re a good GM you can find starters/role players in the 4th. As far as having a let down season is concerned he still logged 11.5 sacks. Epenesa has the talent to be a 10 or 12 sack per year kind of guy. He has a great bull rush and I value that higher than speed and finesse moves. Epenesa should have been taken in the 1st.

I think he was a solid pick, I‘m just attempting to provide some balance to those that think he should have gone in the top 15.  As far as a let down season I think what most likely let him tumble down to 54 is lack of growth.  He is reliable, but his numbers haven’t moved much at all throughout his career.  High floor/lowish ceiling  guys aren’t bad picks, but certainly not 1st rounders in most cases.    I watch a lot of Big ten ball, his sacks are usually coverage or blown blocking assignments.  He get a lot of hits on the QB, but just like we have been complaining about for a long time he gets there a step or two late.  This was in the Big Ten and QB releases are only faster in the pros of corse.  With our secondary being top 5 I think he has a chance to get those coverage sacks, hurries, and hits.  
 

So in summation, I think it was a solid pick and I think he can be a solid starter for years, however I’m not creaming my pants like some posters.  Good? yes...great? could be but based on his growth plateau and lack of speed I personally am leaning towards not likely.

[Marvlevydraftdaygenius]

He is going to be Sean's Greg Hardy, when you watch the Carolina Pathers under McDermot one game comes to mind on youtube  Carolina vs New England on Monday Night back in I believe 2014.   Hardy and AJ's are basically the same player minus Hardy's attitude with Eric Washington here now watch what Carolina did with Hardy and that is what you will see with AJ's.  

[Willyville Guy]

Not sure if it was posted already but BTN The Journey did a nice feature on Epenesa last fall. The only video link I could find for it is on Facebook:

 

 

[Call_Of_Ktulu]

His film study is also very impressive, my initial reaction to this pick was totally wrong. After 6 hours of reading and watching I think this guy is going to be a nice addition to this defense. Nice job Beanie.

[somnus00]

4 minutes ago, Call_Of_Ktulu said:

His film study is also very impressive, my initial reaction to this pick was totally wrong. After 6 hours of reading and watching I think this guy is going to be a nice addition to this defense. Nice job Beanie.

 

I'm the same way. I didn't like the pick at first. But I've been watching a lot more of him over the past few hours. He's slow. But he is freakishly strong, and just seems to make plays. Like you're saying, maybe it's his film study that will set him apart. We'll see. Hopefully he ends up as a great addition that teams regret passing over.

[keepthefaith]

Stick with #94 A.J.

 

Greatest.Number.Ever

[T master]

14 hours ago, Peace Frog said:

I'll take an A.J. over an E.J. or a J.P. any day!

 

 

I think they are keeping Barkley & the Texans probably won't let AJ. McCarron go ? Oh i thought you were talking about QB's  ? NOT !! 

[JOE IN HAMPTON ROADS]

12 hours ago, Fan in Chicago said:

So does mine!!

 

are you going to the virtual commencement lol?

[Ralonzo]

4 hours ago, Coach Tuesday said:

It just feels a bit like a “straight down the fairway” type pick.  That said I’m sure they didn’t expect him to last to 54 and the value is undeniable.

straight down the fairway and low stress pars is top tier golf. It’s underrated how difficult that really is.

[YoloinOhio]

 

[Pine Barrens Mafia]

12 minutes ago, Ralonzo said:

straight down the fairway and low stress pars is top tier golf. It’s underrated how difficult that really is.

 

Ask latter day tiger woods

[HappyDays]

3 hours ago, Dirtyd415 said:

Quality role player?  I think so...dominant game changer?  Doubt it but I’d love to be wrong!

 

Which dominant game changer would you have drafted at pick 54?

[HappyDays]

2 hours ago, BillsVet said:

Their 2nd and 3rd round picks aren't going to change the fortunes of this franchise.

 

Which 2nd and 3rd round picks this year, beyond pick 54, are going to change the fortunes of the franchise?

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

5 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

 

Which 2nd and 3rd round picks this year, beyond pick 54, are going to change the fortunes of the franchise?

 

I like him. He looks like a guy you wouldn't want to line up across from for a whole game. Big dude, and while he's not fast he has some quick mean looking hands, which is a lot of defensive line play.

 

I also like that he looks like he forces fumbles whenever he can. McDermott loves going after the ball like that.

Edited April 25, 2020 by dneveu

[NFLBighits]

Go Hawks!!!!!!Now go Buffalo!!!!!!??

[Dirtyd415]

16 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

 

Which dominant game changer would you have drafted at pick 54?

Personally I don’t believe there were any available at 54.  I’m also in the majority that think this was a good quality pick.  I’m just attempting to tamp down some of the expectations from posters that think he’s going to be the most dominant force on the line.  Someone said he was as a mix of players and said he was something like 25% Bruce.  With his utter lack of speed/bend/flexibility anyone saying he has some Bruce in him is not using much of their grey matter.

[Success]

I always try to play it off like it doesn't matter when a player doesn't seem excited to be picked by the Bills (see:  Gilmore).  But man, is it cool to see a guy genuinely happy & celebrating.

 

I have a hunch he'll be a fan fave in the years to come.

 

[beerme1]

I liked this pick yesterday and like it even more today. Solid.

[nedboy7]

New Bills DL AJ Epenesa's hands are stupid. His technique/strength/size combination is incredible, the reason why he should be considered the No. 2 edge defender in this class.

The Bills traded their first-round pick and got a first-rounder anyway

AJ Epenesa, criminally underrated

The Cold Front is back. AJ Epenesa is a hybrid d tackle and strong side d end. Awesome pick by Bills. One of my favorite guys in the draft.

 

[Don Otreply]

16 hours ago, Ethan in Portland said:

LOL. Allen, Edmunds, Oliver, Knox, Epenesa, Ford were all need picks.  The only one that may have not been a need was Singletary.  

Ethan, the draft is 100% need driven, from guys who will be starters to the late round developmental picks, they are all needs. Show us all a team that drafts guys they don’t need. Be it to gain talent, depth, development you name it, it’s all need based. 
 

Go Bills!!!

[Fan in Chicago]

2 hours ago, JOE IN HAMPTON ROADS said:

are you going to the virtual commencement lol?

Yes, absolutely. Then will get carry out for the celebratory dinner. And maaayybe a few Bourbons

[Ethan in Cleveland]

30 minutes ago, Don Otreply said:

Ethan, the draft is 100% need driven, from guys who will be starters to the late round developmental picks, they are all needs. Show us all a team that drafts guys they don’t need. Be it to gain talent, depth, development you name it, it’s all need based. 
 

Go Bills!!!

I agree. Except Beane and folks on this board keep saying they draft BPA. It's nonsense.  They needed a DE and a RB after getting the dynamic WR via trade. Mission accomplished 

[Don Otreply]

4 minutes ago, Ethan in Portland said:

I agree. Except Beane and folks on this board keep saying they draft BPA. It's nonsense.  They needed a DE and a RB after getting the dynamic WR via trade. Mission accomplished 

Strict BPA is indeed nonsense,  draft selections are made to fit scheme need, it is the reality of how selections are made.   Believe it or not, Beane just yesterday stated that he drafted  Edge and RB and traded our first for a WR because they were needs, so we who know how it is actually done have some confirmation that GMs draft for need all the time. 
 

Go Bills!!!

[Don Otreply]

17 hours ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

What will be his immediate impact on a D that only allowed 16 points?

 

Lots of sacks, TFL FF, good against the run, what’s not to like?

That 16 points is an average, good as it is, there were games where it was worse..  

[Mr. WEO]

1 minute ago, Don Otreply said:

Lots of sacks, TFL FF, good against the run, what’s not to like?

That 16 points is an average, good as it is, there were games where it was worse..  

 

an average yes

[WMDman]

love the pick

Edited April 25, 2020 by WMDman

[YoloinOhio]

 

[Warcodered]

 

[vincec]

6 hours ago, BillsVet said:

 

Well if he does believe in that strategy, drafting a base DE and a slow RB probably aren't the ways to prove it. Or trading up to take an OT last year instead of a WR.  

 

I give them lots of credit for acquiring Diggs.  I just see a very conservative coach on game day and more often than not in personnel decisions.  

 

Their 2nd and 3rd round picks aren't going to change the fortunes of this franchise.  But those decisions illustrate OBD's mindset which, contrary to what management says, comes off as following the safe route.  I get why they did last night.  I just don't see it as the way to being an elite team when teams win by passing the ball and having just enough defense. 

I get what you’re saying. McDermott and Beane have consistently said that they want a dynamic offense but their actions haven’t always backed that up. In this case I think it’s more that they are methodical by nature than conservative.

[YoloinOhio]

Gonna be a fan favorite 

 

 

[Green Lightning]

8 hours ago, dgrochester55 said:

 

Its possible, but I am seeing more of an Aaron Schobel or Phil Hansen where they are good but not elite.

 

I always felt bad for Kelsay.  He took a lot of heat that should have been reserved for the ownership at the time.   Kelsay would have been a perfectly acceptable rotational defensive lineman that was used in run stopping situations.   Unfortunately the lack of appeal to free agents at the time and the penny pinching of Ralph Wilson resulted in a lack of talent and as a result the franchise paying and marketing Kelsay as if he was the face of the defense and a top tier defensive end.     Of course, the fans didn't buy it and when the defense would get gashed for 30 or 40 points, Kelsay was an easy target and scapegoat.   Kelsay would have looked better if he was the third or fourth best defensive end on a team instead of the best or second best one.    Nice guy and good team player, just put in a bad position. 

If Epenesa = Phil Hanson I'm a happy guy. He's a Bill now so I'm on board.

[3rdand12]

21 hours ago, Bangarang said:

No complaints from me. I thought that’s who we would take. 

I predicted Bills would pick someone who was high quality and who dropped so far they could not say no. Regardless of position. And that is exactly what they did.
 Friday morning he was picked to go very early second rd after falling from the 1st.

He is likely a better Lawson with some upside if he develops his game.
Decent pick for sure by McBeanes at 54

Welcome to the Bills !

[FeelingOnYouboty]

He’s Cam Jordan if he develops

[TomaHawkfan]

As an Iowa fan  I'll admit I'm biased, but  Bill's fans should be ecstatic  to get Epenesa, especially where they got him. I  think the only reason he dropped was his 40 time at the combine.  Yes it wasn't  fast, but he's  more of a power/technique guy. And he's  very athletic,  I'm  sure he would have run a better time at Iowa's  Pro Day, had they not been canceled.  Plus he is a model  citizen, great role model.  You wont see his name on any police reports at 2 a.m. or ever. All in all you got a great player and great young man. Just  pray  you can keep him for his 2nd contract lol

[JROC INTEL]

Two things stick out to me , his ability to use long arms to swat, and his ability to throw all his weight into his sacks to completely clobber a QB. Old school.

[GimmeSomeProcess]

How does anyone in there right mind expect pick 54 to be a game changer type of player. You should never expect a blue chipper at 54, that’s only top 10-12 area. You hope for it but don’t expect it. AJ was a dynamite pick and will be a starter for years to come. 

[John from Riverside]

On 4/24/2020 at 5:56 PM, Coach Tuesday said:

Safe pick for a milquetoast regime.

 

In which decade are we going to try to score points?

Our 1st rounder and nearly every pick was offense

[JESSEFEFFER]

5 hours ago, JROC INTEL said:

Two things stick out to me , his ability to use long arms to swat, and his ability to throw all his weight into his sacks to completely clobber a QB. Old school.

I like the way he attacks the ball before the hit.  The impact usually displaces the QB from his spot with certainty except for that tfl on Josh where he wrapped him up and wrestled him down.