Why No Talk About AJ Epenesa

stilltheguru

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People saying he doesnt have the athleticism to play DE in the NFL were the same ones giddy when Michael Bennett came here last year. Same pro bowl player who ran a 5.14 just so yall know. Id even take him at 17 without the trade back but would prefer a trade back.
 
cowboyec

cowboyec

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i like the guy.
solid player.
he was considered a top 15 pick before the superstars competition....
because of what he did on the field.
the combine is important but not more than what they did...on the field.
 
beware_d-ware

beware_d-ware

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It wasn't just Epenesa's 40 that was bad. His agility scores were also poor and his jumps were average. On the whole, he tested out as a 15th percentile NFL athlete at DE.

I've said several times that the Combine does a terrible job of measuring strength and that is definitely his #1 asset, but he didn't do well at any of the metrics that have historically predicted success as an edge rusher (3 cone and broad jump). On top of that, he's not a clean fit inside at 6'5" 270, so you're looking at a man without a position.

20 years ago, he could have been a good 5 tech lining head-up on a tackle and two gapping, but DLs rush the passer 2/3rds of the time these days and I don't see how he has the explosiveness to win there. He projects as a Crawford-esque rusher off the edge where he simply doesn't have the speed to threaten tackles, and his power will be muted inside playing against guards. I would call him a Crawford type player, but Crawford's a better athlete.

Ultimately, I think Epenesa is a rotational guy only.
 
Daygoboy6191

Daygoboy6191

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I am higher on Epenesa than Gross-Matos and Weaver whom I said I wouldn't take in the 2nd round 2 months ago. Young, Chaisson, and Braun are the only first-round pass rushers in this class and there is a talent gap between those 3, and everyone behind them.
Chase Young #1 player in the draft.
K'Lavon Chaisson top 15 player in the draft
Zach Braun Top 25 range in the draft.

If you don't draft any of these guys you might as well not bothering to draft one until the 3rd day.
 

stilltheguru

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beware_d-ware said:
It wasn't just Epenesa's 40 that was bad. His agility scores were also poor and his jumps were average. On the whole, he tested out as a 15th percentile NFL athlete at DE.

I've said several times that the Combine does a terrible job of measuring strength and that is definitely his #1 asset, but he didn't do well at any of the metrics that have historically predicted success as an edge rusher (3 cone and broad jump). On top of that, he's not a clean fit inside at 6'5" 270, so you're looking at a man without a position.

20 years ago, he could have been a good 5 tech lining head-up on a tackle and two gapping, but DLs rush the passer 2/3rds of the time these days and I don't see how he has the explosiveness to win there. He projects as a Crawford-esque rusher off the edge where he simply doesn't have the speed to threaten tackles, and his power will be muted inside playing against guards. I would call him a Crawford type player, but Crawford's a better athlete.

Ultimately, I think Epenesa is a rotational guy only.
Click to expand...
We'll agree to disagree sir.
 
Gremell12

Gremell12

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TwoDeep3 said:
Not a real draft guy but this kid seems to have a little something.

What do I need to know?
Click to expand...
Still like him but the 40 hurt for where we draft. I think we need more of a bendy edge to compliment what we have. Still think he would be a good 3/4 end or someone in a 4-3 who can occasionally slide inside. Versatile and powerful.
 
xwalker

xwalker

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CowboysZone ULTIMATE Fan
TwoDeep3 said:
Not a real draft guy but this kid seems to have a little something.

What do I need to know?
Click to expand...

Not as fast/quick/athletic as elite 4-3 DEs.
Not big enough at 4-3 DT.
Best fit is 3-4 DE.
Could play Strong Side DE in some 4-3 defenses but DLaw is the Cowboys SDE.
 
Plankton

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Epenesa, with around 20 more pounds on his frame, is a poor man's Justin Smith.
 
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