The 2025 NFL Draft brought plenty of surprises, but few moves excited Baltimore Ravens fans as much as their sixth-round pick: Aeneas Peebles. The Virginia Tech defensive tackle, known for his speed and disruptive play style, promises to add much-needed pass rush potential to the Ravens’ defensive line. Let’s explore what makes Peebles an intriguing prospect and how he’s poised to make an impact in Baltimore.

Rising Star: Aeneas Peebles’s Path to the NFL

Aeneas Peebles’s journey to the NFL is a testament to hard work and family legacy. Starting his college career at Duke, he quickly established himself as a dynamic presence. He tallied 40 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss in his 2023 season, later transferring to Virginia Tech for one standout year. His ability to wreak havoc in the ACC earned him both Third-Team All-ACC and First-Team All-ACC honors, while his relentless effort caught the eyes of NFL scouts. Brent Pry, Virginia Tech’s head coach, praised Peebles's work ethic and integration into the team culture, emphasizing the unique energy he brings to the locker room.

What Sets Peebles Apart on the Field?

Despite being undersized for an NFL defensive tackle—measuring in at 6 feet tall and around 282 pounds—Aeneas Peebles compensates with exceptional quickness and lateral agility. According to the official Ravens draft coverage, he posted one of the highest pressure rates in his draft class. In fact, his quick get-off and use of spin and swim moves allow him to win against larger blockers, especially when shooting gaps as a 3-technique. Scouts praised his high motor and ability to disrupt plays, with statistics showing a 12% pressure rate—third among all defensive tackles this year.

NFL analysts note that Peebles uses his natural leverage well and brings a relentless energy on every snap. While scouting reports do point out his size limitations and the challenges of holding up against double teams, his pass rush upside is undeniable. His athletic family background—featuring an All-American father, a trailblazing mother, and a Pro Bowler grandfather—adds to the story of a player determined to exceed expectations.

Ravens’ Defensive Line: The Perfect Fit?

With the retirement of veteran nose tackle Michael Pierce and changes along the front, the Ravens were seeking fresh talent to boost their pass rush. Aeneas Peebles fits this blueprint perfectly. As detailed by the official Ravens recap, he may not start right away, but his ability to penetrate from the interior and create quick pressure makes him a candidate for sub-package roles early in his career. His skills could be even more valuable alongside established playmakers like Nnamdi Madubuike.

NFL draft experts grade Peebles as a backup with strong developmental potential—a player who can outperform his late-round draft slot if coached well. Lance Zierlein’s analysis highlights his "off-the-charts work rate" and unique rush package that could translate to NFL success, especially in specialized schemes.

Future Outlook: Can Peebles Become a Key Contributor?

Aeneas Peebles enters the NFL with something to prove. His journey—from Duke to Virginia Tech to Baltimore—demonstrates his drive and adaptability. The Ravens now have a quick, disruptive rusher ready to carve out a niche role and develop under one of the league’s most respected defensive staffs.

Fans, coaches, and analysts alike are eager to see if Peebles’s relentless style and quickness can continue to make an impact against NFL-caliber competition. If his college resume and scouting reports are any indication, Baltimore may have found a late-round gem brimming with upside.

Want to learn more? Read Bleacher Report’s full 2025 scouting report on Aeneas Peebles or discover the story behind the Ravens’ pick in Baltimore’s official draft announcement. For more on his college journey and coach quotes, visit Sports Illustrated’s Virginia Tech analysis.