Among the most fascinating 2025 NFL Draft prospects is former Ole Miss do-it-all defensive tackle JJ Pegues.
The tight end converted interior defender has plenty of SEC tape both ways, stopping the run and carrying the football while scoring touchdowns or picking up first downs.
At Ole Miss Pro Day on Friday, Pegues matched his performance at the NFL Combine by taking reps on the offensive and defensive side of the ball in front of a packed Manning Center.
"I was looking to show teams that I'm very versatile," Pegues said. "I can do a lot of things. I feel like I've shown that through the drills.
The Oxford native played four seasons of college football and three years as a Rebel. Pegues' untapped potential was unlocked back in his hometown, posting 110 tackles, five pass deflections and 10 sacks. Offensively, Pegues received 39 total touches while picking up 158 total yards and scoring eight touchdowns (seven in 2024).
NFL organizations have certainly underscored Pegues' potential at defensive tackle and full back packages.
"Some teams have for sure. I know I talked to some coordinators on the offensive side — tight end and the running back coaches," Pegues said Friday. "Hopefully they give me the opportunity to do it and it'll be the same as college."
Following Pro Day testing, Pegues revealed that he and quarterback Jaxson Dart would be meeting with the Las Vegas Raiders this weekend.
What would an NFL franchise be getting out of the former Ole Miss fan favorite?
"Someone that just wants to win. Someone that wants to be there and have all the energy, all the juice that's going to bring it," Pegues explained. "Me being able to play both sides of the ball I'll be able to not only impact the defense, but the offensive side as well. Whatever a team needs me to do, I'm going to do it. Coming from Auburn and playing offense my whole life — just me being selfless and going over to the defensive side when we needed some defensive players. Whatever they need me to do, I'll do it."
The 2025 NFL Draft is set for April 24-26 and will be held in Green Bay, Wisconsin at Lambeau Field.
After all his time in Oxford, how does Pegues want to be remembered?
"Just a guy that always cared, was always available, always for the kids, always for anyone. I'm always a guy that just whatever you need, I want to be the guy to do it for you. Just want to be that guy like I wore 38, who everybody looks up to and does the right thing. And just be that voice for the younger generation that's coming up. Just be that voice for them and show them that whatever you want to do — offense, defense, special teams — you can do it," Pegues said.