Ravens rookie is defying expectations at training camp

The Baltimore Ravens have entered their second week of training camp, and it is the first week with the pads on. It is a crucial time for rookies looking to carve out a role early in their tenures with the team, and with the physicality ramping up, those in the trenches have a golden opportunity to showcase their talents.

Rookie defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles is quickly becoming a favorite of both the fans and coaches. He was a sixth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft as a pass rush specialist on the interior defensive line. He proved to be too quick for many opposing offensive lines during his time at Duke and Virginia Tech, and is doing so again in Baltimore.

Pass Rush Coach Chuck Smith is already enamored with what the 23-year-old has shown throughout offseason activities and training camp. During his presser on Tuesday, he could not help but hype Peebles up.

“[Aeneas Peebles] has got incredible upside. He is lightning quick,” Smith said. “He’s got a high skill level, he’s quick, he has a great grasp of pass rush moves, he loves to pass rush, he has an aggressive mindset, and a learning mindset. I love Aeneas. As he continues to learn, going against big guys and going against protection, he’ll get better. But he’s been doing a good job for us, and I look forward to seeing him continue to grow.”

Aeneas Peebles is defying expectations

People can never expect too much out of a sixth-round rookie, especially when they are walking into a loaded position group. However, Peebles is making the most of camp. After Michael Pierce retired and Brent Urban was left unsigned, Peebles now has room to make a name for himself. He is also a different breed than some of the players Baltimore currently has on the interior.

Peebles could be a pass-rush only option. He is only six feet tall and up to around 293 pounds, so he will likely have trouble controlling the run game. As Smith said, though, he could be a different animal on those passing downs.

In college, Peebles racked up 11.5 sacks over five seasons and was relentless in pressuring the backfield. He possesses elite quickness and a high motor, and should be a dynamic option along the Ravens’ defensive front. For a team that loves bringing the quarterback down more than anything and tries to do so in any way possible, Peebles is an intriguing option for the future.

He likely will not see much field time in 2025, as the coaching staff will take their time developing him due to the obvious flaws against the run. Still, he offers enticing traits that he could show off in year one in passing situations.

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