From now until the 2025 NFL Draft, we hope to scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, down to Day 3 selections, and priority undrafted free agents. Today, a scouting report on Virginia Tech defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles.
No. 15 Aeneas Peebles/DT Virginia Tech – 6004, 282 pounds (Redshirt Senior)
MEASUREMENTS
| Player | Ht/Wt | Hand Size | Arm Length | Wingspan |
| Aeneas Peebles | 6002/282 | 9 5/8 | 31 3/8 | 78 |
| 40-Yard Dash | 10-Yard Dash | Short Shuttle | 3-Cone | |
| 4.94 | 1.74 | N/A | N/A | |
| Broad Jump | Vertical | Bench Press | ||
| 9’1″ | 32.5 | N/A |
The Good
– Explosive off the ball
– Wins with quickness off the ball
– High motor, hustles until the whistle blows
– Hardest worker on the field
– Fights with hands to get to his gap
– Good gap integrity
– Uses good hands to work toward quarterback
– Very good athletic ability
– Quick-gap shooter
– Good spin move
– Effective swim move
– Wins as a pass rusher with speed
– Strong use of hands as a pass rusher
– Good finishing ability while making a tackle
– Plays with good balance and pad level
– Takes advantage of lunging offensive linemen
The Bad
– Undersized
– Not be able to bull rush as a pass rusher
– Struggles to move powerful offensive linemen
– When linemen get hands on him, the rep is over
– Average play strength severely lowers ceiling
Bio
– Started 12 games in 2024 at Virginia Tech after transferring from Duke after four years
– Played in a rotational defensive line at Duke, appearing in 47 games across four years
– 2024: 31 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 3 pass deflections, and 4 QB hurries
– Led all ACC defensive tackles in pressures with 35
– Named 2024 AP third-team All-American while receiving All-ACC first-team honors
– 2023: 40 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 2 pass deflections, 4 QB hurries, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery; named to All-ACC third team
– 2022: 15 tackles, 2 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 1 pass deflection, 6 QB hurries, and 1 forced fumble
– 2021: 26 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 sacks, and 2 QB hurries
– Consensus three-star prospect out of Knightdale High School in North Carolina
– Ranked the No. 15 overall recruit from North Carolina and the No. 48 defensive tackle nationally
– Led his team to consecutive state playoff appearances in 2018 and 2019
– Four-year letter winner in football and two-year letter winner in baseball
– Peebles and his father watch film together after every single game
Tape Breakdown
The first thing that jumps off the screen when watching Peebles is the intensity with which he plays and the mindset that he will be the hardest worker on the field. He explodes off the ball with great passion, and when he gets contacted by an offensive lineman, he never stops fighting to get to the ball. He will play until the whistle is blown, chasing a ball carrier he does not have a chance of catching. Teams will love a passionate defensive lineman who is determined to outwork everyone.
As a run defender, Peebles will be used as a gap shooter who can make a mess out of things in the backfield. He does not have the play strength to plug holes and take up space, but he can cause the running back to change his direction quickly because of how fast he gets into the backfield. The speed at which he gets off the ball is super impressive, as shown on this play where he splits a double team.
Combining speed and athleticism with his will to win will keep Peebles on the field as a run defender. He fights with his hands to get by the offensive lineman but does not stray away from team defense. He is willing to do the dirty work for his team to succeed, and this leads to little gains for an offense. Here, lining up in a 3-technique, he crosses the guard’s face into the A-gap, causing distress and a muddy box for the running back.
While Peebles is a hard worker and a good athlete, his play strength is worrisome. In the run game, he can be pushed around by offensive linemen, and the fight he displays sometimes is not enough against a powerful guard or tackle. When they get their hands on him, Peebles fights with everything he has, but it is sometimes not enough to win the rep. He is walled off vs. big-framed blockers in zone due to his smaller size, as shown on this play.
As a pass rusher, Peebles has the same strengths and weaknesses as in the run game. His passion makes you want to run through a brick wall with him, and he wins with great effort and good hand usage. He fights until the play ends, allowing him to sack scrambling quarterbacks who think they are in the clear. His finishing ability is very encouraging, and he can make athletic tackles that prevent big plays. He shows the fight until the end of the whistle here after being initially stopped in his pass rush.
Peebles’ great balance and athleticism make him a dangerous pass rusher, and he has a good swim move. Here, he sacks Cam Ward after using his powerful get-off and swim move in a close game.
While Peebles’ pass-rush ability is positive, his lack of play strength can show up. His ceiling is limited because of his undersized build and weaker strength. When his skill rush moves do not work, a strong offensive lineman can easily control him and not let him get near the quarterback. He will not be able to bullrush, which makes him a one-trick pony as a pass rusher.
Conclusion
Aeneas Peebles has a lot to his game that is really encouraging, and a lot of NFL teams will like it. He is always the hardest worker on the field, and pairing that with his athletic ability and use of hands will make him a positive three-down lineman. However, the most important trait for a defensive lineman is strength, which he lacks. He will need to bulk up and improve his strength to reach his ceiling, but I am confident Peebles can be a solid player for most franchises. My comp for him is Calijah Kancey.
Projection: Early Day 3
Depot Draft Grade: 8.3 – Second Round (Future Quality Starter)
Games Watched: at Miami (2024), vs Georgia Tech (2024), vs Clemson (2024)
