Aeneas Peebles Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Peter Casey/USA Today Sports)
School: Virginia Tech
Class: Senior
Position: IDL
HT: 6’0
WT: 282 lbs
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Background: Aeneas Peebles was a 3-star defensive lineman out of Raleigh, North Carolina. Peebles was a top 50 defensive tackle and top 20 player in North Carolina in the class of 2020. Peebles attended Knightdale High School, where he was named League Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. He helped Knightdale reach the state playoffs in two consecutive seasons. He also played two seasons of varsity baseball. Aeneas Peebles committed to Duke over Group of 5 schools such as App State, Central Michigan, and others.
College: Peebles appeared sparingly across 10 games for the Blue Devils in 2020. He became more of an impact player in 2021 when he recorded 26 tackles, 3 TFLs, and 2 sacks. Peebles produced similar numbers in 2022 before breaking out in 2023. He was an All-ACC First Team selection after recording 8.5 TFLs and 4 sacks. Before the 2024 season, Peebles transferred to Virginia Tech as a graduate student. In his one season for the Hokies, Peebles tallied 6.5 TFLs and 3 sacks. He earned All-ACC First Team and All-American honors.
Strengths: Aeneas Peebles is a stout heavy defensive tackle who has produced an unbelievable amount of pressures during a terrific collegiate career. Peebles explodes out of his stance to knock offensive linemen back on their heels. He gains leverage and is able to walk his opponent back into the pocket due to his power at the point of attack. He has incredible leg drive that overwhelms offensive linemen. No matter how strong the foundation, Peebles does well to eliminate it. Peebles is a block collector and keeps his linebackers clean, allowing them to come down towards the line and make plays. As a pass rusher, Peebles has the active hands to deconstruct blocks and free himself to pursue the quarterback. While he may not continuously finish sack, his ability to drive linemen back into the pocket or get pressure to change the trajectory of a play.
Weaknesses: Peebles does not bring ideal measurables to the position. He has short arms and that is continuously shown in the phone booth. Peebles can be seen getting long armed whenever an offensive lineman lands the initial punch. This lack of length bleeds into his ability, or lack thereof, to get anything going on the counter rush. He stalls out if his initial rush is combatted. He does not have an extensive rush plan and without winning off the line, he is done.
Conclusion: Aeneas Peebles can bring upside as a sturdy presence on the interior. He allows his teammates to make plays in the run game as he has great gap control. His pressure rate is elite for the position and will show itself in the NFL right away. Peebles just has the physical limitations that prevent him from being a more highly regarded interior defensive lineman.
Scheme Fit: 3-4
Ideal Role: 3 tech
Best Team Fits: DAL, MIA, LAC
Player Comparison: Kobie Turner
Player Grade: Round 6 (48.8)
