Vikings Linked to a Rare Two-Way Player
The Minnesota Vikings have only four draft picks in April’s annual three-day event. This year, the draft will take place across the state border in Green Bay. The lack of selections is concerning, but the good news is that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Minnesota’s fourth-year GM, hasn’t left any massive roster flaws.
Vikings Linked to a Rare Two-Way Player
The goal is to find guys who can contribute early in their careers, either on defense or on offense. But there are some prospects who could do both. Of course, everyone is (rightfully) talking about Travis Hunter, Colorado’s WR1 and CB1. A first-rounder at either position, the combined package makes him a true generational player.
The Vikings draft about three hours too late to have a shot at the Heisman winner. But there’s a day-three prospect with a two-way history.
Far less explosive but still a fascinating prospect is JJ Pegues, a defensive lineman from Ole Miss. Standing 6-2, 325 lbs, Pegues played defensive tackle and short-yardage fullback in college.
PFF’s Mason Cameron identified him as a fit for the Vikings.
He wrote, “Versatility is Pegues’ calling card. He took snaps all over the defensive line, as well as in goal-line packages on offense, in college. The Ole Miss fan-favorite is a relentless, high-energy player, evidenced by his high-percentile grades as a run defender (87th) and pass rusher on true pass sets (84th). Given the creativity of Brian Flores and Kevin O’Connell, there’s no better landing spot to make full use of Pegues’ skill set.”
A player with versatility on defense sounds perfect for Brian Flores and his crazy scheme, and Kevin O’Connell would surely appreciate someone who can help the short-yardage rushing attack that has been abysmal since his arrival in the Twin Cities three years ago.
Pegues started his college career at Auburn but transferred to Ole Miss, his hometown team, after two seasons, where his numbers made a significant jump. In three years, he tabulated ten sacks and 110 tackles (27 tackles for loss).
The exciting aspect? He also rushed 21 times for 69 yards and seven touchdowns in his final season. In 2022, he recorded a receiving touchdown, and he has been active as a run and pass blocker, too.
Perhaps O’Connell could scheme up some wildcat offense. Good luck stopping this.
His primary job would be on defense, of course, but it’s some added value. It’s also worth considering C.J. Ham is in the final year of his contract, will turn 32 in the summer, and won’t be on the team forever.
PFF wrote in his draft profile, “Pegues is a versatile player for a number of reasons and could be a fan-favorite for his relentless play on defense and ability to play some goal-line packages offensively.”
Pegues ranks in the 140s on the consensus big board. Interestingly, the Vikings have pick 139 from the Cleveland Browns, a puzzle piece from the trade that sent Za’Darius Smith to Cleveland in the 2023 offseason.
Pegues is a name to watch for Minnesota.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.
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