Buffalo Bills: Top questions at defensive end entering free agency

ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 29: Jerry Hughes #55 of the Buffalo Bills stands in position during the first half against the New England Patriots at New Era Field on September 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. New England defeats Buffalo 16-10. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

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Bills A.J. Epenesa defends the edge against Miami.Jg 010321 Bills 31 /

Is A.J. Epenesa ready to be a full-time starter?

In addition to Mario Addison, the Buffalo Bills used their second round pick on the selection of A.J. Epenesa. At the time, the pick appeared to be one of the biggest steals in the NFL Draft as Epenesa was considered a first round talent and if the Bills still had their first round pick he would have made sense to be the selection there.

The former Iowa Hawkeye got off to a slow start and was even a healthy scratch the first week of the season. As the season went on though he saw his playing time increase and became a regular part of the rotation.

While he did only have one sack on the season, he started to get more pressure on the opposing quarterback towards the end of the year with five in the final four games (including the playoffs) compared to four over the first 13 games.

If the Bills believe Epenesa can be the starter, this could dictate what they do this offseason at the position. If he is viewed as a starter, the front office could look for some bargains or even use another draft pick. This leads to the final question at the position.

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