# @vikesverified on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/B-TNctBlqmI
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/16633327-vikesverified-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/312c555e07.jpg
- **Posted:** 2020-03-29T02:05:46.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** 🟣 VikesVerified 🟣 (@vikesverified) — https://gondola.cc/vikesverified

## Caption

A.J. Epenesa is an extremely versatile defensive piece that the #Vikings could benefit from in a multitude of ways. Epenesa brings exceptional length and overwhelming power to the defensive front. A.J. boasted a 91.5 PFF pass rushing grade for his career. He has fallen down some boards due to his combine performance, but his style of pass rushing is not one that is solely based upon athleticism. A.J. wins with power and technique, which translates nicely to the NFL. He has a variety of very effective moves including push/pulls, spin moves, swim moves, and an explosive bull rush. In my opinion he has the strongest hands of any defensive player in this draft besides Chase Young. He makes clearing hands on the opposing OL look effortless and is efficient with his hand play. He can play every position on the D-Line and had great production his entire career at Iowa. At 6’5” 275 pounds, Epenesa’s frame is certainly NFL ready.
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Strengths: Extremely strong hands, Great size, Great production, technician with a variety of moves

Weaknesses: Athleticism, Inability to challenge the edge with speed, Lateral mobility
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Overall, Epenesa has really grown on me the more that I’ve studied him, he is not going to blow you away with athleticism by any means but the guy knows how to rush the passer and can physically dominate both tackles & interior O-Lineman. I think he would be a great fit in Minnesota because of his versatility. Those of you that watched the Vikings vs. Saints game in the wild card round this year noticed that Hunter & Griffen were playing more of a 3 technique to challenge NO’s guards because their tackles are some of the best in the game. I think A.J. would be a great replacement for Griffen & would thrive in that technique. The power he possesses at the point of attack also makes him a candidate to take snaps at defensive tackle as well as defensive end.
Overall Grade: 7.8/10 Strong Technician, Immediate Pass Rushing Threat

#mnsports #minnesotavikings #nfldraft2020 #nflcombine #bigboard #iowahawkeyes #nfldraft #nflmemes #vikings

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## Tags

nfldraft, nflcombine, iowahawkeyes, vikings, nflmemes, minnesotavikings, bigboard, nfldraft2020, mnsports

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