3 Reasons AJ Epenesa Was the Bills' Biggest Draft Steal

The Buffalo Bills were not on the board until pick No. 54 after sending a first-round pick to Minnesota to acquire former Vikings WR Stefon Diggs earlier this offseason. But the wait was worth it. The team snagged defensive end A.J. Epenesa with that first selection and he couldn't be more of a fit in Buffalo.

The two-time All-Big Ten defender was a total steal for the Bills, and opposing teams may be kicking themselves in the future for passing on the Iowa product by letting him drop so far.

3. He Spent Time Beating Pro-Ready OL in the Big Ten

DE A.J. Epenesa found ways to beat OL throughout his career. / Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Epenesa did not jump off the tape as someone who destroys opposing linemen solely with brute force. Instead, he became skilled in the hand-fighting that takes place the moment the ball is snapped. His quickness of slapping their hands away or getting up into their pads gave him a variety of ways to beat them off the ball. But aside from his arsenal of moves, he was doing this against pro-ready offensive linemen prospects in the Big Ten, and he even abused USC's Austin Jackson, who was a first-round pick, in this year's bowl game. He'll be a great fit on a bruising Bills' defensive line.

2. Durability

A.J. Epenesa was always on the field at Iowa. / Matthew Holst/Getty Images

The defensive end spent three years at Iowa and played in a total of 37 games. He played in all 13 games in each of his final two seasons and was always on the field disrupting opposing offenses. Epenesa is still young at 21 years old and entering the NFL without any major injuries in college only boosts his potential. Simply being available every game is something that not all players can provide and it makes Epenesa even more valuable in terms of where he was drafted.

1. Developing Into Consistent Run-Stuffer

A.J. Epenesa improved against the run at Iowa. / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Epenesa stands at 6-5 and weighs 275 pounds. He should only add more bulk once he starts working out at the pro level, which will further help his game in the trenches. He had 36 career tackles for loss at Iowa and forced nine fumbles. Now, he'll join the 10th-ranked defense against the run in 2019 and will learn from some talented guys like Jerry Hughes, Trent Murphy, Mario Addison and Star Lotulelei. With those mentors helping out a player as skilled as Epenesa, he should hit the ground running in this defense come the start of the 2020 season.