The NFL Draft is a stage where athletic freaks make their case for stardom, and this year is no different. While much of the spotlight shines on electrifying prospects like Colorado’s two-way phenom Travis Hunter, another name is creeping into the conversation—a 6’2”, 325-pound wrecking ball out of Ole Miss who’s rewriting the script on what a defensive tackle can be.
Meet J.J. Pegues, a man built like a battleship but nimble enough to move like a fighter jet. At the East-West Shrine Bowl, he wasn’t just a presence—he was a force of nature, overwhelming offensive linemen, wrecking plays, and even snatching an interception like he was a star defensive back. But that’s just the beginning of his jaw-dropping resume.
While most defensive linemen pride themselves on clogging run lanes and collapsing pockets, Pegues does something unheard of at his position—he scores touchdowns. That’s right. Not only was he a menace on defense, but he also served as one of Ole Miss’ most reliable short-yardage rushers, bulldozing through defenses with the kind of power that leaves linebackers questioning their life choices.
If his Shrine Bowl performance is any indication, NFL teams are finally catching on to what Lane Kiffin knew all along—J.J. Pegues isn’t just another defensive tackle. He’s a two-way phenomenon in the making.
The Shrine Bowl Showcase: When the Big Man Stole the Show
The East-West Shrine Bowl is meant to be a proving ground for NFL hopefuls, and Pegues took full advantage of his opportunity. From pregame drills to the final whistle, he turned heads and dropped jaws.
Eric Galko, Shrine Bowl’s player personnel director, was among those who couldn’t believe what they were seeing. He posted footage on X (formerly Twitter) showing Pegues hitting a textbook spin move in a one-on-one drill—a move that should be illegal for a 325-pounder to execute with such fluidity.
Then came the moment that truly cemented his status as a must-watch prospect.
Midway through the second half, Pegues was engaged with a blocker when an errant pass floated in his direction. In a moment of pure instinct, he snatched the ball out of the air with one hand, securing a Big Man Interception and sending the East team’s sideline into a frenzy.
The crowd roared. Commentators lost their minds. And the legend of J.J. Pegues grew even larger.
“Are we surprised that J.J. Pegues has gotten it?” the announcers exclaimed. “The two-way player? Soft hands, big fella!”
That wasn’t just a highlight. That was a statement.
#OleMiss DL JJ Pegues is one of the most fascinating prospects in the entire draft class.
He finished this season with SEVEN 7️⃣ rushing touchdowns. He also has 55 snaps in pass/run blocking, and is probably the best FB prospect in the class if he wanted to be.
And by the way,… pic.twitter.com/fTenDkGbGh
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) February 14, 2025
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Pegues’ Unreal Production at Ole Miss
Stats never tell the full story, but in Pegues’ case, they paint the picture of a player who does it all.
- 42 total tackles
- 13.5 tackles for loss
- 3.5 sacks
- Seven rushing touchdowns (Yes, from a defensive tackle!)
His impact stretched far beyond the trenches. He was a game-changer in short-yardage situations, a Swiss Army knife who could play multiple roles, and a key cog in a Rebels defense that secured their third 10-win season in four years.
With versatility becoming a prized asset in the NFL, Pegues is exactly the kind of hybrid talent teams are hunting for—a defensive lineman who can plug gaps, pressure quarterbacks, and moonlight as a goal-line wrecking ball on offense.
It’s a role that brings back memories of William “Refrigerator” Perry, the legendary 300-pound Chicago Bears defensive tackle who occasionally moonlighted as a fullback in the 1980s. If Pegues lands with a creative offensive coach, don’t be shocked if he becomes a modern-day version of the Fridge.
NFL Draft Stock: Where Will J.J. Pegues Land?
J.J. Pegues isn’t just another big body destined to take up space in the middle of the line. He’s a rotational piece with game-changing potential—a rare blend of power, agility, and playmaking ability that makes him an intriguing pick for any team running an aggressive, multiple-look defense.
Could he develop into an interior pass-rushing specialist? Absolutely.
Could he be a short-yardage touchdown machine? Why not?
And let’s get wild for a second—what if an NFL team actually gave him a legitimate role as a short-yardage back? The idea might sound crazy, but imagine Pegues lined up in the backfield on the goal line, while a lightning-fast running back lurks behind him. Defenses wouldn’t know what hit them.
One team that could be a perfect fit? The New York Giants.
Chris Pflum of SB Nation believes Pegues offers solid Day 2 value, making him a potential steal in the third or fourth round. With the right development, he could become an instant-impact contributor—and perhaps even an occasional offensive weapon in creative goal-line packages.
The Final Word: Pegues is Not Just Another Big Man—He’s a Unicorn
J.J. Pegues isn’t your standard defensive tackle. He’s not just a space-eater, not just a run-stopper, and certainly not just a one-dimensional bruiser.
He’s a defensive wrecking ball with offensive upside.
He’s a 325-pounder with the hands of a tight end.
He’s a hybrid player in an era where versatility reigns supreme.
And with the NFL Combine and Pro Days still ahead, he has plenty of time to elevate his draft stock even further.
Mark it down now—some lucky team is about to get a beast unlike anything we’ve seen in years.
