© Petre Thomas-Imagn Pictures / © Ron Chenoy-Imagn Pictures
The NFL Mix is formally underway as school prospects look to show their price to scouts on the subsequent stage. Of that bunch, there are a number of gamers that can run drills at a number of positions.
Travis Hunter is the title on the prime of the listing with regards to two-way stars, however he’s removed from the one draftee with versatility. JJ Pegues of Ole Miss has gone viral this week as he reveals off his athleticism in Indianapolis.
Pegues is likely one of the most fascinating prospects within the draft class. The defensive lineman, who tipped the scales at 325 kilos throughout his senior 12 months, was a drive in the course of the Rebels’ defensive position.
He racked up 42 tackles and three.5 sacks in 2024, equivalent to his numbers from the 2023 marketing campaign. He additionally tied for the staff lead with 14 stops behind the road of scrimmage.
The manufacturing in Oxford supplied him with a second-round NFL Draft grade, however protection wasn’t the one space he made an impression. The large man completed second on the staff in dashing touchdowns. He carried the ball 26 occasions whereas additionally serving to present lanes for ball carriers in short-yardage conditions as a fullback.
I do know it’s a loaded RB class however generally I feel we don’t discuss sufficient the truth that Ole Miss DT JJ Pegues is 6-2, 325 kilos and rushed for 7 touchdowns final season. Weapon pic.twitter.com/xx5IgFLPKK
— Area Yates (@FieldYates) February 4, 2025
JJ Pegues initially signed with the Auburn Tigers out of highschool as a good finish. He was rated a Prime 10 participant at his place earlier than becoming a member of the roster.
In his lone offense-only season, he hauled in seven catches for 57 yards. He later made the change to protection the place he’s remained since 2021. The flexibility has been famous by NFL scouts. He was invited to the Mix as each a defensive deal with and a fullback.
Pegues was noticed beginning with some defensive drills on Thursday. He flashed some nimbleness and explosion on the sector.
JJ Pegues wave pic.twitter.com/jZWflZcVQs
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) February 27, 2025
He then converted to offense the place he ran routes and hauled in a number of passes. What can’t he do?
The lineman additionally ran his 40-yard sprint, posting back-to-back sub-5.2 occasions. Pegues entered the Mix at 309 kilos. He shed some weight forward of his NFL coaching. It seems to be paying off!
Boys, I feel we bought one thing right here.
310lb JJ Pegues is doing fullback drills out right here and it completely appears to be like like it could work. pic.twitter.com/ciioXCVuz0
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) February 27, 2025
Pegues has already been in touch with a number of skilled groups. The Pittsburgh Steelers have proven curiosity as they eye a possible successor to Cam Heyward.
Can JJ Pegues finest Travis Hunter?
Hunter, apparently sufficient, was assigned only one place at this 12 months’s NFL Draft. With that being stated, he totally intends to play as each a large receiver and cornerback on the subsequent stage.
Travis Hunter can, ought to and can play WR and CB within the NFL.pic.twitter.com/kOuaiBsEDa
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) February 27, 2025
Completely different groups have completely different outlooks on the Heisman trophy winner. In response to NFL reporter Cameron Wolfe, that versatility is already inflicting a divide!
The Tennessee Titans personal the highest decide. Ought to they select to pick out the most effective general participant, Hunter might come off the board early. Administration in Nashville views the two-way star as a DB. They like his defensive talents above his offensive ceiling.
The Browns, nevertheless, like him as a move catcher. They personal the second decide. Hunter’s destiny will in the end lie within the palms of the staff that drafts him.
He excelled on the school stage whereas logging a ridiculous variety of snaps. On offense, he led the Large 12 in catches and receiving touchdowns. On protection, he led the Colorado Buffaloes in interceptions.
Travis Hunter proved to be school soccer’s finest participant a 12 months in the past. His draft standing will mirror that. He’s not the one one who can produce at a number of spots, although. JJ Pegues is doing what he can to spice up his inventory, too.
