Today’s slate features Iowa-Middle Tennessee State, Alabama-Ole Miss and much more. Let’s take a look at five prospects that the Lions will certainly do their homework on leading into next year’s draft.
If there’s an early favorite for the No. 1 fit for Matt Patricia’s defense, then it’s A.J. Epenesa. At 6-foot-6, 280 pounds, Epenesa is your typical hand-in-the-dirt defensive end, though he’s had some experience in a two-point stance as well.
I like Epenesa in Patricia’s scheme moreso as a down defensive end than a stand-up pass rusher. His first step is no better than average and while his flexibility is pretty decent for his size and build, it’s just not very good in comparison to all pass rushers.