curious what his combine will be. I doubt Chase Young will do all the drills but their numbers comparison will be interesting (even though they aren't exactly the same type of player).
is that he's better suited as a 4-3 end and not quite a good candidate to play OLB in a 3-4. Is that the case?
That's probably pretty accurate, although he can line up as a 5T in an odd front, IMO - so he wouldn't have to play the edge standing up in a 3-4. Either way, I think we need to stop thinking of our schemes as static - both Judge and Graham have talked about a need to be multiple and have players that are scheme versatile.
What the coaches want to play, which is a multiple defense out of a base 34, I can see him being the pick if we trade back. If not, I think we get Isaiah Simmons
is that he's better suited as a 4-3 end and not quite a good candidate to play OLB in a 3-4. Is that the case?
That's probably pretty accurate, although he can line up as a 5T in an odd front, IMO - so he wouldn't have to play the edge standing up in a 3-4. Either way, I think we need to stop thinking of our schemes as static - both Judge and Graham have talked about a need to be multiple and have players that are scheme versatile.
Based on what we know from Judge and Gettleman...you have to be able to run the ball and stop the run...Thomas and Epenesa are likely picks in the first round.
Except for one play, he was not that impressive in the USC bowl game
Wirfs was...he...not so much. Went up against the left tackle from USC that has potential in the draft and did get the better of him but not what you would want in the top end of the draft
Bull rush power but didn't show speed /edge moves at all. I can't recall who wrote up some stuff on him but maybe he does better in the combine I only saw him in 2 games so small sample size disclaimer
Except for one play, he was not that impressive in the USC bowl game
Wirfs was...he...not so much. Went up against the left tackle from USC that has potential in the draft and did get the better of him but not what you would want in the top end of the draft
Bull rush power but didn't show speed /edge moves at all. I can't recall who wrote up some stuff on him but maybe he does better in the combine I only saw him in 2 games so small sample size disclaimer
Wirfs is an OT for Iowa. What are you talking about?
Jared Allen or Justin Smith are good comparisons for Epenesa
Epenesa is a beast he is so strong at the point of attack
He is not a fast twitch DE but he is effective rusher
He can play all over the line
PA
His hand technique is similar to the Bosas
Jared Allen or Justin Smith are good comparisons for Epenesa
Epenesa is a beast he is so strong at the point of attack
He is not a fast twitch DE but he is effective rusher
He can play all over the line
PA
His hand technique is similar to the Bosas
This is something in Epenesa's favor. If you're truly running a scheme-diverse D, he is a great fit. Can play DE in a 4-3 or 3-4. I'm not sure I'd take him as high as 4, though.
And may have posted on another thread, but my best friend met him on Christmas Eve at the San Diego Zoo (their bowl game was in SD and the whole team took a trip to the zoo).
His Takeaways:
- Very polite, well spoken kid
- Bigger than listed (A.J. Told him he was 6'8" mid 280s)
- Almost knocked my friend over when he bumped into him, my friend is 230 and lifts for reference
He was timed at 4:64 and 4:73 last spring
Jumped 36”
He was also a five star recruit and the second best dL prospect coming out of High School
Epenesa was an accomplished basketball player averaging a double double and scoring over a thousand points
He was recruited by all the major programs including Alabama and Notre Dame
He is far more athletic than I thought and was compared to JJ Watt who he likens his game too
Based on what we know from Judge and Gettleman...you have to be able to run the ball and stop the run...Thomas and Epenesa are likely picks in the first round.
I don't know about Thomas. You have to do a lot more than JUST that, and we are deep in terms of big run-stopping DL who can collapse the pocket. It may in fact be our deepest spot on the team and we run a 3-4 not a 4-3. It's great to have like 6 guys who can all rotate in and stop the run but if some of your best players have to be sitting on the bench you're not allocating resources well, and those guys can't stop the run all on their own, we also need LBs who can shed blockers, play in space, and actually make the tackles. We also got killed in the passing game game after game the past 2 years, we need playmakers in our back 7 as well not just like 10 nose tackles an 3-4 DEs.
is that he's better suited as a 4-3 end and not quite a good candidate to play OLB in a 3-4. Is that the case?
That's probably pretty accurate, although he can line up as a 5T in an odd front, IMO - so he wouldn't have to play the edge standing up in a 3-4. Either way, I think we need to stop thinking of our schemes as static - both Judge and Graham have talked about a need to be multiple and have players that are scheme versatile.
Rather than Players who are Scheme Types or Scheme Versatile, I expect The Coaches to be Player Versatile....Find things that your players CAN do that wins games.
“ Epenesa has some versatility for the NFL. He could fit as a base end in a 4-3, and in that scheme, he would be best as a left end taking on right tackles. In a 3-4, he could be a good fit as a five-technique. ” 2020 NFL Draft Player Preview: A.J. Epenesa - ( New Window )
but he has to have the athletic gifts to be considered high in the draft. He's tough, rugged, and plays downhill. But, to play 4-3 DE you need a burst and closing speeds he doesn't have. So then he's probably a better 3-4 scheme fit on the DL. To me, it limits his value especially when you factor in the cap costs, etc.
Would love a slight trade back and grab either based on how they grade out once the entire process is over.
That's probably pretty accurate, although he can line up as a 5T in an odd front, IMO - so he wouldn't have to play the edge standing up in a 3-4. Either way, I think we need to stop thinking of our schemes as static - both Judge and Graham have talked about a need to be multiple and have players that are scheme versatile.
Quote:
is that he's better suited as a 4-3 end and not quite a good candidate to play OLB in a 3-4. Is that the case?
That's probably pretty accurate, although he can line up as a 5T in an odd front, IMO - so he wouldn't have to play the edge standing up in a 3-4. Either way, I think we need to stop thinking of our schemes as static - both Judge and Graham have talked about a need to be multiple and have players that are scheme versatile.
Exactly!!!
No, he's stronger and more explosive than those two very average DE's. I'm thinking he's the next Jared Allen.
Wirfs was...he...not so much. Went up against the left tackle from USC that has potential in the draft and did get the better of him but not what you would want in the top end of the draft
Bull rush power but didn't show speed /edge moves at all. I can't recall who wrote up some stuff on him but maybe he does better in the combine I only saw him in 2 games so small sample size disclaimer
Wirfs was...he...not so much. Went up against the left tackle from USC that has potential in the draft and did get the better of him but not what you would want in the top end of the draft
Bull rush power but didn't show speed /edge moves at all. I can't recall who wrote up some stuff on him but maybe he does better in the combine I only saw him in 2 games so small sample size disclaimer
Wirfs is an OT for Iowa. What are you talking about?
Epenesa is a beast he is so strong at the point of attack
He is not a fast twitch DE but he is effective rusher
He can play all over the line
PA
His hand technique is similar to the Bosas
Epenesa is a beast he is so strong at the point of attack
He is not a fast twitch DE but he is effective rusher
He can play all over the line
PA
His hand technique is similar to the Bosas
This is something in Epenesa's favor. If you're truly running a scheme-diverse D, he is a great fit. Can play DE in a 4-3 or 3-4. I'm not sure I'd take him as high as 4, though.
Is he in the same category as SF's Bosa?
His Takeaways:
- Very polite, well spoken kid
- Bigger than listed (A.J. Told him he was 6'8" mid 280s)
- Almost knocked my friend over when he bumped into him, my friend is 230 and lifts for reference
I get the sense that you are of the opinion that this draft has a lot more red chips than blue - is that a fair statement?
He was timed at 4:64 and 4:73 last spring
Jumped 36”
He was also a five star recruit and the second best dL prospect coming out of High School
Epenesa was an accomplished basketball player averaging a double double and scoring over a thousand points
He was recruited by all the major programs including Alabama and Notre Dame
He is far more athletic than I thought and was compared to JJ Watt who he likens his game too
Quote:
Going to be a 3-4 DE in the NFL.
I get the sense that you are of the opinion that this draft has a lot more red chips than blue - is that a fair statement?
Couldn't you say that about most, if not all drafts?
Wow. That was a very Gatorade Dunk-like reply
I don't know about Thomas. You have to do a lot more than JUST that, and we are deep in terms of big run-stopping DL who can collapse the pocket. It may in fact be our deepest spot on the team and we run a 3-4 not a 4-3. It's great to have like 6 guys who can all rotate in and stop the run but if some of your best players have to be sitting on the bench you're not allocating resources well, and those guys can't stop the run all on their own, we also need LBs who can shed blockers, play in space, and actually make the tackles. We also got killed in the passing game game after game the past 2 years, we need playmakers in our back 7 as well not just like 10 nose tackles an 3-4 DEs.
Quote:
Going to be a 3-4 DE in the NFL.
I get the sense that you are of the opinion that this draft has a lot more red chips than blue - is that a fair statement?
Yep.
Quote:
is that he's better suited as a 4-3 end and not quite a good candidate to play OLB in a 3-4. Is that the case?
That's probably pretty accurate, although he can line up as a 5T in an odd front, IMO - so he wouldn't have to play the edge standing up in a 3-4. Either way, I think we need to stop thinking of our schemes as static - both Judge and Graham have talked about a need to be multiple and have players that are scheme versatile.
Rather than Players who are Scheme Types or Scheme Versatile, I expect The Coaches to be Player Versatile....Find things that your players CAN do that wins games.
2020 NFL Draft Player Preview: A.J. Epenesa - ( New Window )
You cannot be elite in the discus with cement blocks for feet.
Also saw a post that he put up a 36" vertical at Iowa State and ran mid 4.6 40.
I'd expect the 40 to be a tenth slower at combine but that and the vertical are competitive with good comps.
JJ Watt jumped 37". Julius Peppers ran 4.74.