The New York Giants are in need of reinforcements on their defensive line. Right now, aside from former second-team All-Pro Dexter Lawrence, the team has mostly fringe starters filling out the defensive interior. Fortunately, the 2025 NFL Draft is packed with defensive line talent, giving the Giants plenty of options to bolster their front.
Giants Could Target Virginia Tech DT Aeneas Peebles on Day 2
One potential target for the Giants is Virginia Tech defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles. While he may be considered undersized for the position, Peebles was a productive and disruptive force in college, making him an intriguing option for Big Blue on Day 2 of the draft.
Peebles stands at 6 feet tall and weighs 282 pounds, which is below the league average for interior linemen. However, he compensates for his lack of size with relentless effort and strong pass-rushing skills. According to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, Peebles is a player who “lacks measurables but makes up for it with an off-the-charts work rate.”
Starting his college career at Duke in 2020, Peebles later transferred to Virginia Tech for his final season. In 2024, he posted 31 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, and three sacks. His advanced pass-rushing stats suggest he could be a hidden gem in this draft class.
Peebles Could Be a Steal in the Draft
Pro Football Focus analyst Josh Liskiewitz considers Peebles his favorite Day 2 interior defensive line prospect, highlighting his ability to disrupt the passing game:
“At 6 feet and 282 pounds, Peebles doesn’t meet the usual height and weight thresholds to be a first-rounder. But when you watch the film, his size becomes an afterthought because he’s such a dynamic pass rusher.”
Peebles led all interior defensive linemen in college football in 2024 with a 91.2 PFF pass-rush grade. He also posted a 27.3% pass-rush win rate on true pass sets, the highest among his peers. His run defense was solid as well, grading positively on 20.4% of run plays and recording an average tackle depth of just 0.87 yards.
Despite his smaller frame, Peebles has the potential to follow in the footsteps of other undersized but highly productive interior defenders in the NFL.
At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Peebles further showcased his athleticism by running a 4.94-second 40-yard dash, an impressive time for a defensive tackle. His quickness and technique allow him to consistently shed blocks and create havoc in the backfield.
For the Giants, adding Peebles to their defensive front alongside Lawrence could provide a much-needed boost in the pass-rush department. While he may not be the strongest run defender, his ability to pressure quarterbacks from the interior makes him an intriguing option for New York on Day 2 of the draft.