Vikings Draft 2020: Post-free agency seven-round mock draft

First Round (Pick No. 22)

A.J. Epenesa – DE (Iowa)

With the Vikings losing Everson Griffen this offseason, A.J. Epenesa falling to pick No. 22 seems like the right pick.

Epenesa brings power and versatility to kick inside and rush from the 5-tech. He’s taken a bit of a fall in his draft stock after his lack of production while taking on a full-time role for the first time in his college career.

He had 10.5 sacks in 2018 and 11.5 in 2019, but he played in a limited role in 2018. While the sack numbers are still very good, people looked at his performance last season as a disappointment.

Epenesa brings a lot of strength and power to a defense. He’s a guy that’s going to use his heavy hands to shed blocks and cause problems in the backfield.

He uses his push-pull technique really well and reads plays nicely. He’s a bigger prospect, but he moves very smoothly. He will be a similar style of player to Griffen and it could be a seamless transition between the two players.