NY Giants: 5 Best available prospects for RD 2 of NFL Draft (part two)

UNSPECIFIED LOCATION - APRIL 23: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) In this still image from video provided by the NFL, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks from his home in Bronxville, New York during the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft on April 23, 2020. (Photo by NFL via Getty Images) /

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NY Giants draft target A.J. Epenesa (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Iowa DL AJ Epenesa:

A non-traditional fit for the NY Giants given his body type (6’5″ 275 lbs) and his likely position at the five-tech position.

Epenesa is a bit of luxury pick at that position given Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence’s presence there, but they should shuffle the line enough to give him an impact role. Epenesa’s rare strength and hand skillset present value that is hard to turn down regardless of his position.

What he is not is a traditional edge player. He is too stiff and is not an outstanding athlete to play outside the five-tech, he’s a better football player than an athlete.

The combo of Epenesa, Williams, and Lawrence presents a lethal run-defense trio with an underrated pass rush presence. Epenesa can hold up against the run more than good enough with his length and lock-out strength.

The Hawkeye should be able to start right away on the NY Giants front-seven and thrive as a run defender, with the upside to be a good pass rusher if he maintains his optimal hand fighting ability.

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