Las Vegas Raiders Select Ole Miss DT JJ Pegues in Sixth Round of the 2025 NFL Draft

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Ole Miss Chucky Mullins Courage Award winner JJ Pegues has been selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 6th round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 180th overall pick.

The ‘Sip ➡️ LV

JJ Pegues is heading to the @Raiders‼️

Round 06 | Pick 180#HottyToddy x #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/zZQ6kDw11e

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) April 26, 2025

Pegues, an Oxford native, is a former tight end turned defensive tackle who also came in and carried the ball in short-yardage situations for the Rebels.

He began his career at Auburn but transferred home to Ole Miss in 2022 where he found his true calling in the trenches at defensive tackle — and as a sometimes-running back. He set an SEC record for touchdowns by a defensive lineman in 2024.

At Oxford High School, JJ dominated as a 270-pound tight end who could play anywhere on the field, leading his team to a Class 6A state championship. His amazing blend of agility and size and agility earned him four-star ratings across the board from major recruiting services.

College Career

JJ concluded his Ole Miss career as a versatile weapon on both defense and offense across 38 games played, of which he made 23 starts.

Defensively as a Rebel, he accounted for 110 total tackles (51 solo), 26.5 tackles for loss (115 yards), 10.0 sacks (68 yards), nine QB hurries, seven pass breakups and one fumble recovery.

Offensively, he rushed 26 times for 86 yards and seven touchdowns and caught one pass for one yard and one touchdown. All seven of his rushing touchdowns came in the 2024 campaign.

He finished tied for 16th in Ole Miss history with 26.5 tackles for loss. Combined with his time at Auburn, JJ played in 62 total games with 25 starts, recorded 126 total tackles (62 solo) and 28.5 TFL (117 yards), with all of his remaining defensive statistics recorded at Ole Miss. Finished career with 158 combined all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns, all scored as a Rebel.

His honors and awards include:

• 2025 NFL Combine Invitee

 • 2024 Chucky Mullins Courage Award

 • 2024 All-America Honorable Mention (CFN)

 • 2024 All-SEC First Team (CFN)

 • 2024 All-SEC Third Team (Coaches, Phil Steele)

 • SEC Community Service Team (2023, ’24)

 • 2024 Wuerffel Trophy Semifinalist

 • 2024 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

 • Wuerffel Trophy Watch List (2023, ’24)

 • Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Nominee (2023, ’24)

NFL Combine

JJ’s ability to produce on both sides of the ball makes him stand out even more that he already does. NFL Scouts appreciate his versatility and that helped earn him an invite to the NFL Combine and the East-West Shrine Bowl. Pegues participated in both defensive line, fullback and tight end drills at the combine.

NFL Future

Pegues is not only versatile on both sides of the ball, he’s also versatile on the defensive line. He can play multiple positions on the line which will definitely be in his favor when it comes to making the Raiders’ 53-man roster.

Congrats to JJ!