Spadaro: A.J. Epenesa says signing with Eagles ‘a no-brainer for me’

Epenesa, a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end with Buffalo who recorded 24 sacks, four interceptions, and 135 quarterback pressures playing in the Bills’ defensive line rotation, transitions to an outside linebacker role here. He’s an edge player here, so he is going to line up and get after the quarterback, set the edge against the run, and, yes, drop into coverage.

It’s a bit of a new role, but that is the nature of the sport, of the defense.

“I love him,” Epenesa said. “One of the best the game has ever seen. The defenses he’s had, I think the results speak for themselves. It’s fun learning all of that and learning more about my game and what I can do.”

So far, so good for Epenesa. He’s been active, physical, and playing with the non-stop motor that he says marks his game. If you need to know one thing about Epenesa, it’s this: He is going to go full speed all the time every day.

“I am the guy that everyone knows has a chip on his shoulder,” Epenesa said. “I want people to know that ‘He’s pissed off about something. He wants to make a point. And he wants to make it loud and clear.’ That’s what I want everyone to see when I’m on the field. I’m going hard. That’s not going to change.

“I’m learning as much as possible as fast as I can. It is a change positionally for me, so I have to be on my game mentally and it is a great challenge. I’m not gonna lie about that. It’s a challenge.”

This much is clear for Epenesa, who brings his demeanor and his skill set to an edge room that has a lot of ability and depth: He has something to prove. He wants it, and he wants it badly. He is here as a Philadelphia Eagle – a new team, a new role, and the mindset of proving himself all over again.

“Mitch Morse (former NFL center) said it best on his podcast (In Good Company with Mitch Morse): ‘Once you think you’ve got the NFL figured out, it kicks you in the (butt).’ Never try to be too comfortable and always be prepared. That’s how I’ve been trying to keep my mind lately, and I’m very happy to be doing that here and giving it my all as a Philadelphia Eagle.”