Jan 30, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; National team defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles of Virginia Tech (16) works through drills during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

New York Giants Draft Prospect Profile: Edge/DL Aeneas Peebles, Virginia Tech

Originally posted on New York Giants on SI
By Nick Falato | Last updated Apr 9, 2025 11:00 AM ET

Aeneas Peebles is a one-gap penetrating HIGH MOTOR pass rusher with significantly sub-par measurables that may hinder his overall upside.

Aeneas Peebles, EDGE/DL

A former three-star prospect out of Knightdale High School in Knightdale, North Carolina, where he attended Duke University from 2020-2023.

Peebles was the 13th-ranked player from North Carolina and the 33rd defensive tackle during the 2020 recruiting cycle.

He entered the transfer portal after the 2023 season and was a three-star recruit, the 21st defensive lineman and the 194th overall player. He attended Virginia Tech for his final season, which was his best.

Peebles recorded 37 pressures with 31 hurries in 2024. He had 33 pressures in his final year at Duke. He had 28 total through his first three seasons.

Peebles played 1,770 defensive snaps throughout his career, and he had the versatility to play all across the defensive line, although his likely position in the NFL is inside.

He was a 2024 First-Team All-ACC selection and was an AP All-American Third-Team selection in 2024. Peebles attended the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl.

Strengths

Aeneas Peebles is among my favorite #NFLDraft prospects.

Peebles crushed the #NFLCombine, running a 4.94 (4th best).

Peebles has had terrific pre-draft meetings w/ #49ers, #Chargers, #Buccaneers, to name a few. More coming.@Ae9eas on @TheDraftNetwork:https://t.co/xQoZWpwFh4
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) March 3, 2025

Weaknesses

Summary

Aeneas Peebles is a one-gap penetrating HIGH MOTOR pass rusher with significantly sub-par measurables that may hinder his overall upside. Peebles unlocks an array of pass-rushing moves with above-average overall athletic ability and impressive lateral movement skills for a 282-pound defensive lineman. Peebles aligned all over the defensive front but is best utilized inside the 4i-shade on passing downs, where he can threaten the interior offensive linemen with his short-area skills and active hands. Overall, Peebles is a stout defender who wins with leverage against the run if tasked to anchor but best penetrates forward. Unfortunately, his measurables are tough to overcome, and some teams will leave him off their board.

GRADE: 6.0D

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