Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: Gambling on High-Ceiling Projects
By Reid Hanson
Round 1
A.J. Epenesa
Defensive End, Iowa
We need to face facts, the first round may not fall nicely for the Dallas Cowboys. There’s a chance all of our favorites are gone by pick 17 and the only choice is either taking the best available or trying to find a partner, who isn’t going to fleece us, in a trade back.
In this situation Javon Kinlaw, K’Lavon Chaisson, Kristian Fulton, and all the top receivers are long gone. For many of the reasons mentioned in the intro, A.J. Epenesa is the choice. With the ability to play RDE in a 4-3 and a 2-gap 5 technique DE in a 3-4, Epenesa will let Mike Nolan toggle between fonts. Something the Cowboys are expected to do in 2020 and beyond.
He has great hands and amazing power in his play and was one of the most productive college pass-rushers over the past season. In the past two seasons he has 30.5 tackles for loss, 22 sacks, and 8 forced fumbles.
Still, he doesn’t get the same buzz as most edge rushers, largely because he doesn’t have that freaky bend we all drool over. But Epenesa wins and it translates to being a complete starting level player early in his NFL career.
The Dallas Cowboys obviously have need across the defensive line. As explained in the intro, the scenario we’re working with is that Robert Quinn demanded too much money in free agency and could not be retained. Many say Epenesa is the boring safe pick. I think he has more production potential than we’re giving him credit for.