Teams weren’t allowed any in-person OTAs because of the coronavirus pandemic, and when they finally were able to assemble in training camp, it was under heavy restrictions that made things particularly difficult for rookies who need as much hands-on tutoring as they can get.
At Iowa, Epenesa played in a two-gap system, which means he had to play at around 280 pounds to better be able to toss much heavier offensive tackles to either side to make a play.
Problem was, he overdid it, dropping nearly 40 pounds before realizing that once the season starts, it’s difficult to keep weight on.
“It was just a huge transition, coming down from such a heavy weight, to changing my whole style of game,” Epenesa told the Buffalo News.
Still, he acquitted himself well in the second half of the season, according to general manager Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott.
Added defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier: ” He’s really benefited from staying here and working out with our strength staff, which is something he couldn’t do last offseason because of all the things that were going on.
“The key will be once we end this offseason program and guys go away for the summer, what will happen between that time and the time we come back for camp,” Frazier said.