A.J. Epenesa (72 Overall)
The Buffalo Bills were extremely fortunate to see A.J. Epenesa slide down the draft board in the 2020 NFL Draft where the Bills eventually selected him in the second round. However, that slide down the board in the draft is likely to be part of the reason for Epenesa’s relatively low initial overall rating in Madden 21.
Although his overall rating is low, there are some skill ratings that seem to be right on the money. Epenesa is a very well-rounded pass rusher with good technique and strength but doesn’t excel or show true weaknesses in any one area specifically. This idea is reflected accurately by his 84 strength rating, 81 acceleration rating, 75 agility rating, and 74 speed rating. All four skill ratings are above average but not great.
Where Madden Rating Adjustors should pay attention to Epenesa this regular season is at the point of contact with blockers. Madden gave Epenesa a 75 power move rating which portrays his ability to bull rush or use strength against opposing blockers. This rating is right around where it should be but his finesse move rating is only a 66 which is certainly below average. Contrary to power moves, the finesse move rating portrays a player’s ability to use speed or swim moves to get around opposing blockers.
These two skill ratings are the categories that Madden Rating Adjustors should focus their attention the most for the upcoming season. Epenesa should show the block shedding abilities to merit upgrades to these two skill rating categories.
16 picks before Epenesa was drafted, the Carolina Panthers selected edge rusher Yetur Gross-Matos. Gross-Matos on the other hand received an initial Madden rating of 74 overall, which is where Bills fans should’ve expected Epenesa’s initial overall rating.