The Pittsburgh Steelers and every other organization in the NFL wishes it had the opportunity to select a player like Travis Hunter in the 2025 NFL Draft. The electrifying two-way player will be off the board within the first four picks, and he has stated publicly that he intends to play both ways in the league. He probably won't be able to do it in the same way he did in college where he literally did not come off the field, but he will likely be able to play both sides in some capacity.
Hunter put up incredible numbers on offense and defense which led to him winning the Heisman Trophy. No one had ever played both ways at the level that he did, and he is truly a one-of-a-kind prospect. However, he is not the only player that dabbled with playing on both sides of the football in the 2025 draft class. Defensive tackle JJ Pegues from Ole Miss made his impact known of defense and offense too.
Pegues primarily played defense for the Rebels, but he contributed on offense throughout his collegiate career as he totaled 31 carries and eight receptions. He played the role of tight end, fullback, and even quarterback in the wildcat formation. Team insider Mike DeFabo was asked during a mailbag for The Athletic why the Steelers try to run the ball so much without a fullback, and he mentioned Pegues in his response.
"Maybe this year they’ll get back to it," DeFabo wrote. "The Steelers hosted Kyle Juszczyk on a visit before he re-signed with the 49ers. JJ Pegues, a defensive lineman who played some fullback for Ole Miss, came in for a pre-draft visit. [Arthur] Smith said previously that his Falcons could carry a fullback because Keith Smith was a core special-teamer in addition to a lead blocker. That’s the key: finding someone who can contribute in another area."
The fullback is a position that has been going extinct for a few years now. The teams that roster a fullback around the league see their fullback contribute elsewhere, which is exactly what Pittsburgh is looking for. The organization has already shown interest in adding a fullback during the 2025 offseason as they had Kyle Juszczyk in for a visit. Pegues can fill that hole.
Pegues originally went to Auburn to begin his collegiate career, where he was a tight end at the start. He switched to defensive tackle during his second season, and eventually transferred to Ole Miss ahead of his junior year. He didn't just play both sides at Ole Miss, he actually made an impact. Over three seasons, he recorded 10 sacks, 126 total tackles, and he is considered extremely athletic for an interior defensive lineman. This is displayed by his seven rushing touchdowns and eight receptions.
Pegues is athletic with the ball in his hands, and the Steelers have taken interest in him as he was in the building for a pre-draft visit. Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl was also at Pegues' Pro Day on Friday, and Weidl has been known for his affinity for the trenches.
Steelers Can Address Two Issues By Drafting JJ Pegues
Pittsburgh desperately needs some help along the defensive line, which Pegues will be able to provide. He is a great run-stopper and he has shown he can get to the passer as well. He can also aid the running game for the offense by filling in as a fullback, or even tight end down around the goal line. Look for the versatile to player to fly off the board in the third or fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
