Virginia Tech defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles is among the most tenacious and technically savvy prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Peebles is a flat-out game-wrecker. His incredibly high ceiling was on display at this year's Senior Bowl.
Peebles recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Peebles discussed his performance on Mobile, his pass-rush arsenal, transferring from Duke to Virginia Tech, and more.
JM: You recently participated in this year's Senior Bowl. What was the overall experience like?
Aeneas Peebles: It was phenomenal. It was exactly what I envisioned it'd be. I think I went out there and boosted my pre-draft stock. I'm having a good process so far.
One of the things that Jim Nagy spoke to me about was my opportunity to show the NFL how I can produce and compete against the very best in the nation. I feel like I definitely showed scouts and general managers that. That's what I'm here to do.
I can be really good in this league. I had a phenomenal overall experience at the Senior Bowl. I had a great time going up against the best in the nation.
JM: You took full advantage of the opportunity. Getting more specific, what do you think you proved to scouts and GMs in attendance?
Aeneas Peebles: I feel like I proved I'm one of the best defensive tackles in this draft class. More specifically, I feel like I showed scouts that I'm more than just a pass rusher. I'm more than that. I feel like I can be an every-down defensive tackle.
I proved to scouts during the Senior Bowl process that I could also play the run.
JM: We were very impressed by what you put on tape at the Senior Bowl. As a pass rusher though, and we'll talk about the run shortly, do you feel like there's some untapped potential for you in that area?
Aeneas Peebles: 100% I do. That's one of my biggest strengths and I've been expressing that to NFL teams throughout this process.
I was blessed to speak with all 32 teams at the Senior Bowl. I told every team I can't wait to come in and be a sponge. I'm excited to learn from the guys who play my position. I'll be paying close attention to the techniques they use.
Paying close attention, picking up on little tips and tricks, that's going to help take my game to the next level. I just can't wait to go learn.
JM: You clearly feel like you're a three-down lineman at the next level. You talked about stopping the run. Talk to me about the pride you take in doing that.
Aeneas Peebles: No doubt about that. Throughout this pre-draft process, of course I want teams to see that I get a special joy from rushing the passer, but when it comes to developing and proving that I'm a well-rounded player, somebody who should be drafted highly, it's about proving I'm a three-down player.
I don't want to be considered a specialist who has to come off the field on certain downs. I want the NFL to know that I'm a guy who can come in and play every single down.
Being at the Senior Bowl was a great opportunity for me to showcase that. I feel like I took full advantage. I took a lot of pride in that. I've done a good job throughout this process.
JM: You met with every team at the Senior Bowl, as you said. Which of those meetings stood out to you?
Aeneas Peebles: I would probably say the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We had some great conversations. It was deeper than football. I had a great meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers as well. I enjoyed speaking with them.
The San Francisco 49ers were great. Those are a few teams that come to mind. I had some great interviews and some great vibes with those teams during the interview process.
JM: There's a lot of interest in you and it's easy to see why. Now that you've had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Duke to Virginia Tech?
Aeneas Peebles: I feel like it was a great decision. We didn't have the season we dreamed of having at Virginia Tech in 2024, I feel like it was the right move for my career nonetheless, and my path to the NFL.
JM: We've talked at length about your ability to rush the passer. How would you describe your arsenal of moves?
Aeneas Peebles: I would call it dynamic. I've always taken pride in the fact that I can find multiple ways to get to the quarterback. Whether I need to bull rush or use speed against an offensive lineman, I feel like I've been blessed with the ability to do both.
I feel like I really put that on film at the Senior Bowl to be specific. I showcased my power a couple of times, and I also displayed my potential to run right by you.
I would say my pass-rush arsenal is versatile.
JM: What about your overall identity as a defensive lineman? Would you describe yourself as athletic in space, or as a physical, violent player in close quarters?
Aeneas Peebles: My identity on the field is a bull-in-a-china Shop mentality. My sole job as a defensive tackle is to be as disruptive as possible. I want to wreck shop. I want to ruin plays, to blow up plays at the line of scrimmage.
I have to knock down offensive linemen in the backfield. I have to blow up pulling guards, a tight end coming across the formation, and things of that nature.
I blow up plays. I'm disruptive, man. That's my mentality. I'm a bull in a china shop. I have to destroy plays.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. This has been an outstanding conversation. In closing, what kinda person and player is Aeneas Peebles going to be at the next level?
Aeneas Peebles: They're getting a dog. Simply put, you're getting a dog. I'm very confident in who I am.
I know I'm not 6-foot-7 and 340 pounds. One thing I am going to be, that's a dog every single day. That's what you're gonna get.
