The later rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft carry added significance for the Vikings this year. With only four total picks—and half of them coming in the fifth and sixth rounds—Minnesota is expected to be active in trading down early to stockpile more selections for Day 3. Most mock drafts project the team to prioritize secondary and defensive line help, with the secondary considered the more urgent need. That could lead the Vikings to uncover a hidden gem late in the draft.
Pro Football Focus analyst Mason Cameron identified one ideal Day 3 fit for every team, and for the Vikings, he selected Ole Miss defensive lineman. According to Cameron, veteran star is a natural match for defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ scheme.
“his versatility is his standout trait—he lined up across the defensive front and even played in goal-line offensive packages during his college career,” Cameron wrote. “He’s a high-motor, energetic player, with elite production as both a run stopper (87th percentile) and pass rusher on true pass sets (84th). Given the creative minds of Flores and Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota would be the perfect fit to maximize Pegues’ talents.”
Pegues is a unique prospect, having made an impact on both sides of the ball. In 2024, he tallied 42 tackles and 3.5 sacks for Ole Miss, while also rushing for 69 yards and seven touchdowns on 21 carries, along with a receiving score in short-yardage situations. At the NFL Combine, he ran a 5.15-second 40-yard dash and recorded a 27.5-inch vertical.
Notably, since 2020, Levi Drake Rodriguez is the only Vikings Day 3 draft pick to remain on the active roster. Depth on the defensive line has been a consistent concern, and Pegues could address that with his flexibility to play inside or as a situational edge rusher. He’d bring a dynamic and developmental presence to the rotation—an intriguing piece for the next two to three years.