The Buffalo Bills second-round pick this year AJ Epenesa fits the Sean McDermott defensive model well. Epenesa is a tough, physical defender with a high-motor and has positional versatility.
Buffalo added several free agent pieces to supplement their defensive line grouping this offseason. The Bills’ big free-agent signing was Mario Addison, with whom the team inked a three-year, $30.5 million contract. The team also added veteran defensive tackle Vernon Butler and lineman Quinton Jefferson to the mix.
These players will be met by the group of incumbents returning for the Bills. Defensive ends Jerry Hughes, Trent Murphy, Darryl Johnson while interior players Star Lotulelei, Ed Oliver, and Harrison Phillips are in the fold.
So, where does that leave the rookie in the Bills’ plans this year?
“AJ’s a guy that we didn’t necessarily think would be there, but he’s versatile,” general manager Brandon Beane shared on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
Epenesa has experience at both defensive tackle and defensive end while playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
However, the larger plan is starting to come into play. Beane added, “That’s what I would say about him. And he’s productive. For us, we see him as a left DE first, but on rush downs, come inside and be a nickel rush.And we like that thinking.”
This gives Buffalo a wide variety of options on their defensive line. McDermott can utilize numerous line combinations to fit various scenarios. Epenesa can do a little bit of everything well, as a player who can set the edge and get after the quarterback.
More intriguing, though, is how Epenesa can be a thorn in the side of opposing offensive lines in conjunction with last year’s first-round pick, defensive tackle Ed Oliver. Oliver became a force on the defensive line, particularly during the second half of the season.
“Pairing him sometimes with Ed (Oliver) on the inside or some of our other guys that would be in there,” Beane said.
Buffalo’s defense, the obvious strength of the team over the past three years, now seems to have an even stronger front four. With their ability to put pressure on the quarterback intensified by these offseason moves, the Bills secondary could have a field day with quarterbacks struggling to pass in rhythm and find time to throw.
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