Las Vegas Raiders 2020 Mock Draft: Raiders go on the defensive

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IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 7: Defensive end A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes gives chase during the first half of running back Isaih Pacheco #1 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on September 7, 2019 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

A.J. Epenesa. 16. player. 878. . Edge. Hawkeyes

The Raiders attempted to address their pass rush in last year’s draft, and although it has improved, it still needs a ton of work. With AJ Epenesa, the Raiders get a 6’6, 280-pound edge rusher that can cause problems for any offense.

Epenesa has completely turned Iowa’s defense around, and the Raiders hope he can do that for them as a first-round pick. Despite his size, Epenesa is still extremely fast and can get to the quarterback, as well as stop the run as well as just about anyone in this draft class.

Epenesa recorded double-digit sacks last season and is approaching twenty in his career. With the uncertainty of Clelin Ferrell and Arden Key, the Raiders need to address the pass rush early in this draft and assuming Chase Young goes within the first few picks, Epenesa is the best the Raiders can get at 16.

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