The late rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft carry more weight for the Minnesota Vikings than in past years. With just four total picks—two of which come in the fifth and sixth rounds—the team is expected to trade down in the early rounds to stockpile more late-round selections.
Most mock drafts predict Minnesota will target the secondary or defensive line, with a particular emphasis on bolstering the defensive backfield. That makes finding a hidden gem late in the draft especially important.
Pro Football Focus analyst Mason Cameron recently named one ideal Day 3 draft fit for each NFL team. For the Vikings, he highlighted Ole Miss defensive lineman JJ Pegues as a perfect match for defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ versatile, high-energy system.
“Pegues’ strength is his versatility,” Cameron noted. “He lined up all over the defensive line and even contributed in offensive goal-line packages. His high motor and productivity—ranking in the 87th percentile as a run defender and 84th on true pass sets—make him an ideal fit for Flores’ creative schemes.”
JJ Pegues
Pegues is far from a traditional prospect. In addition to logging 42 tackles and 3.5 sacks on defense last season, he rushed for 69 yards and scored seven touchdowns in short-yardage situations, plus another receiving TD. At the NFL Combine, he posted a 5.15 40-yard dash and a 27.5-inch vertical.
The Vikings have struggled with depth on the defensive line, and Pegues offers flexibility to play both inside and out. He could become a unique, developmental piece in Minnesota’s rotation—possibly their most intriguing Day 3 pick since Levi Drake Rodriguez, the only late-rounder since 2020 to stick on the active roster.
In short, JJ Pegues could be the late-round steal Minnesota needs to round out its evolving defense.
Leave a Reply