The NFL Draft has seen its share of athletic marvels, like Colorado’s CB/WR Travis Hunter, who’s likely to be a top pick in April. And it’s not a one-horse race. Of the four Ole Miss Rebels who represented the team at this year’s East-West Shrine Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, one 6’2″, 325-pound player made his presence felt in the second half and pregame drills, proving he’s more than just a bruiser in the trenches. He’s the kind of player fans won’t forget, and it looks like Hunter might not be the only two-way threat in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Ole Miss defensive tackle J.J. Pegues might be built like a human wrecking machine at 325lbs, but his game is anything but one-dimensional. In Oxford, he was a disruptive force along the defensive line, regularly collapsing pockets and stuffing the run. But what sets him apart isn’t just his ability to dominate the line of scrimmage—it’s what he does with the football in his hands. Pegues wasn’t just a defensive stalwart for the Rebels; he was also their second-leading player in rushing touchdowns. An RB in a DT’s body. And if his performance at the Shrine Bowl is any indication, NFL teams are starting to see what Lane Kiffin saw all along. Shrine Bowl’s player personnel, Eric Galko, was just one of many who were left amazed.

Sharing the moniker of “mayor of Oxford” with Jaxson Dart, #18 put on a show in the Shrine Bowl’s 1-on-1 drills, moving with a level of finesse that defies his size. Galko couldn’t help but take notice, sharing footage on X of Pegues executing a textbook spin move against an offensive lineman. But if that wasn’t enough, Pegues delivered one of the night’s most electric moments in the second half of the game.

While engaged with a blocker, he stuck out his right hand and plucked an errant pass out of the air, securing a “Big Man INT,” sparking a celebration for the East team. His team finished with many such highlights as the West did, coasting to a 25-0 victory. The play encapsulated everything that makes Pegues special—quick hands, football IQ, and the ability to make something out of nothing. Even the game’s commentators couldn’t hide their excitement, exclaiming, “Are we surprised that J.J. Pegues has gotten it? The two-way player? Soft hands, big fella.”

Numbers don’t always tell the full story. But in J.J. Pegues’ case, they paint a picture of a player who does it all. He finished the 2024 season with 42 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks, anchoring a Rebels defense that helped secure their third 10-win season in four years. But what really raises eyebrows is his offensive production—’seven’ rushing touchdowns from a defensive tackle is unheard of at the collegiate level. In a league that values hybrid players more than ever, Pegues fits the mold of a defensive lineman who can bring added value in short-yardage packages. Much like the role William “Refrigerator” Perry once played for the Chicago Bears.

With the NFL Combine and Pro Days still ahead, Pegues has already sent a clear message to scouts: he’s not just another big body clogging up running lanes.

‘Mayor of Ole Miss’ J.J. Pegues’ draft prospect

J.J. Pegues isn’t your typical defensive tackle—he’s got the kind of versatility that NFL coaches love. He’s built to be a rotational piece at the next level, capable of lining up in multiple spots along the defensive front. Any team running a one-gap, multiple-look scheme should be intrigued by what he brings to the table. That said, don’t expect Pegues to be wreaking havoc off the edge.

While he could occasionally be used in jumbo packages on short-yardage plays, he’s better suited to handle business in the trenches rather than trying to bend around the corner. And speaking of short-yardage situations, let’s get a little wild for a second—could you imagine Pegues as a short-yardage back?

Sure, the speed of the NFL game might make that experiment short-lived. But it would be an absolute nightmare for defenders if paired with an offense that also has speed threats to keep defenses on their heels. So, does he fit the NY Giants? Absolutely. Chris Pflum of SB Nation sees Pegues as a solid Day 2 value and could be an intriguing pick in the middle rounds.