How Can A.J. Epenesa Help The Detroit Lions Pass Rush & Run Defense In 2026?
Schematically, Epenesa aligns exactly with Defensive Coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s 4-3 base defense.
The Detroit Lions face a distinct edge vacancy in the 2026 free agency cycle. With Josh Paschal already released and the likely departure of Al-Quadin Muhammad—Lions GM Brad Holmes is left with the task of replacing their combined defensive snaps. The film and market analytics point directly to unrestricted free agent A.J. Epenesa.
Epenesa entered the 2020 NFL Draft projected as a first-round selection following high-level production at Iowa. A 5.04-second 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine tanked his stock, allowing Buffalo to draft him 54th overall. The league overcorrected for linear speed, discounting that his collegiate production relied entirely on heavy hands and power, not initial burst.
In Buffalo, Epenesa established a consistent baseline. He posted back-to-back 6.5-sack seasons in 2022 and 2023. Following a two-year extension, he logged 13 starts, 6.0 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 2024. In 2025, Buffalo acquired Joey Bosa, severely reducing Epenesa’s snap count and lowering his output to 2.5 sacks. Despite the volume drop, his fundamental run-defending win rates remained intact.
Schematically, Epenesa aligns exactly with Defensive Coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s 4-3 base defense. Sheppard requires defensive ends to secure the C-gap, defeat tight end base blocks, and set a strict boundary against the run. At 6-foot-6 and over 260 pounds, Epenesa possesses the required physical dimensions. He executes the heavy-handed assignments previously handled by Paschal and Muhammad, utilizing base leverage to control offensive tackles on early downs.
