2. AJ Epenesa, Iowa 6-6, 280 (1)
Why He’s Here On The List: He’s the biggest of the true defensive ends at the combine, and he’s also among the most productive. He led the Hawkeyes with 11.5 sacks with 14.5 tackles for loss to go along with 49 tackles, with the ability to take his game up a few levels in key moments to take over games – he destroyed USC in the Holiday Bowl win.
What The NFL Types Want To See: Does he have the explosiveness to be a true next-level pass rusher? He might be a jack-of-all-trades, and he might be good no matter where he plays or what he does, but does he have something that makes him an all-star talent in any one way? If he can look like a speed rusher to go along with his size, look out.
Bottom Line: A great all-around part for any line, he can work as a quick, undersized pass rushing tackle in some schemes, or be a playmaker in the backfield for other lines. As versatile as any defensive linemen in the draft – at least at a high level – he’s a sure-thing first rounder who can be a top 15 pick with a great workout.