NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
INDIANAPOLIS — He’s the supersized Travis Hunter — aka, the second-most versatile player in this year’s NFL draft.
Only instead of being the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and best cornerback (and best receiver) prospect in this year’s class, JJ Pegues is planning to do both defensive line and fullback/tight end drills at the combine this week in hopes of solidifying his status as an early-round pick.
“Not many people go from D-line to running the ball,” Pegues told reporters Wednesday at the combine. “I know about the Travis Hunter thing, and I’m not going to compare myself to him because he’s a hell of an athlete. I’m just thankful to God for allowing me to play both positions.”
COACH SPEAK: Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell still ‘loves’ Ben Johnson; what’s next for J.J. McCarthy?
Pegues has played both defensive tackle and as a jumbo offensive skill player well enough during his five-year college career that NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah called him “one of the more fun” evaluations in this year draft and pegged his positional flexibility as a fit for the Detroit Lions.
Pegues left high school as a 285-pound tight end and played one season on offense at Auburn before a coaching change prompted a move to the defensive line.
He caught seven passes for 57 yards as a true freshman in 2020, made 16 tackles on defense the next season and admitted the transition from big-man pass catcher to bigger-man run-stuffer was a difficult one.
“I was young and I wanted to play,” said Pegues, who had one highlight-reel carry as a wildcat quarterback at Auburn. “I felt like I had a purpose on the field and that I could make a big impact. I didn’t play for a couple games just because I was new to it. I didn’t understand it. I was bitter at first but I just opened my eyes and said this is an opportunity for me to grow, not only as…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/forget-travis-hunter-nfl-drafts-110852220.html
Author : Detroit Free Press
Publish date : 2025-02-27 11:08:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
