Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles could be a massive 6th-round steal that could show out in the preseason. With Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, and new veteran free agent John Jenkins, along with Broderick Washington established, a pass-rushing but explosive defensive lineman like Peebles fits right in. He could showcase himself early in the preseason, as the 6th-rounder should have plenty of reps.
In the depth chart, while Jones and Jenkins are the Ravens’ nose tackles, Peebles can play 3-4 defensive end and learn a lot, and opposite Madubuike. Jones and Washington do offer some bull rush in the interior, but the former Virginia Tech Hokie offers juice on the outside and has versatility to bring speed on the defensive line.
Peebles Could Be a 6th-Round Steal for the Ravens
Although undersized at 6’0″ and 289 lbs., he doesn’t have to come in right away and start. Peebles can first begin in a rotational role and offer pass-rush prowess to his fullest potential while developing the other sides of his game against the run, while they already have big run-stoppers established.
The former Duke transfer had 11.5 career sacks and 21 tackles for loss in five seasons, four with the Blue Devils. Peebles was a first-team All-ACC in 2024 at VT and flashed his speed at the NFL Scouting Combine, running a 4.94 40-yard dash with a 1.74-second 10-yard split. His 20-yard split was 2.89 seconds, along with a 4.7-second 20-yard shuttle.
There is plenty of strength and pop in his game, with a 32.5 in vertical, 9 ft 1 in broad, and 28 reps on the bench. It was surprising he lasted till the 6th, let alone day three of the draft. Most had him going a round or two earlier, but his lack of pure measurables makes him an early backup or depth player that has the potential to become a starter down the road if he hits his potential for Baltimore.
Peebles offers the perfect dynamic skillset the Ravens were missing on the defensive line opposite Madubuike in Baltimore heading into the 2025 season. Besides him, there is not another player that brings the same skillset that could make the roster like Peebles. He will likely be the 5th defensive lineman they keep, rotating in to keep their lineup fresh. Look for him to make a splash and become the Ravens’ next hidden gem on defense.
