Ourlads' Profile:
2020 Guide: What Ourlads' Scouting Services said about AJ EPENESA: Iowa, 6051 275 5.06. Junior entry, two-year starter, Glen Carbon, IL. A two-time All Big 10 defensive lineman, including a first-team honor in 2019. Epenesa is a big, long, and physical lineman who can be moved inside and out for a versatile-front scheme. He brings the proper mix of discipline and effort to the table every play. While he lacks some of the standout traits teams want in a pass rusher, he does a lot for a defense that won’t always show up in the box score. His ceiling doesn’t look as high as some others, but his floor is raised and will wear several hats at a high level when called on. Powerfully built and mechanically sound. A long, thick, multiple defender who can seamlessly alter his role and style of play based on what the team needs. Excellent outside-in defender that stays square to the action with hands locked onto the blocker, capable of at least holding his ground to maintain gap integrity but also shows ability to shed and tackle. Smart and aware of his positioning. Uses long arms and heavy hands to stand a blocker up and control the engagement. Can play with low hips and high hands. Will close in on the action fast and aggressively with no hesitation and minimal wasted motion. A violent straight-line mover that makes heavy impact on contact. Eight forced fumbles and seven pass deflections since the start of 2018. Often has a slight delay off the ball and will be forced into an initial disadvantage. Gets locked onto. Will expose too much of his chest and lacks the twitch and quickness to get off a heavy-handed lineman. Pad level and agility comes across as inconsistent. 2019 stats: 49 T, 14.5 TFL, 11.5 sacks, 3 PBU, 9 QBH, 4 FF. Edge speed:left 2.30, right 2.22. OSR:18/25. First round. (A-34 1/2, H-10 1/8, BP-17, 10-1.74).