Aeneas Peebles Is The Greatest Defensive Tackle You’ve Never Heard Of, And Will Be The Highest DT Pick In The 2025 NFL Draft

Sep 7, 2024; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles (16) celebrates after a sack during the second quarter against the Marshall Thundering Herd at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Every NFL team is looking for interior defensive linemen who can create chaos up front, and Aeneas Peebles fits the bill. The Virginia Tech standout might not be a household name just yet, but his game jumps off the tape.

Peebles’ defining trait is his explosiveness. He fires off the line of scrimmage with elite quickness, putting offensive linemen on their heels before they even have a chance to react. His pass-rushing ability is rare for a defensive tackle, as he has an array of moves that help him slice through blockers and collapse the pocket.

Beyond his pass-rushing prowess, Peebles has refined hand technique and excellent balance, allowing him to shed blocks efficiently. His ability to disrupt both the run and the pass makes him a versatile weapon in any defensive scheme.

Despite being projected as a fourth- or fifth-round pick, Peebles’ talent suggests he should go much higher. He has all the makings of a third-rounder at worst, and a team looking for an interior disruptor could even consider him in the second round.