NFL Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah conducted his yearly pre-combine conference call on Thursday afternoon, and we had the opportunity to inquire about the Detroit Lions’ interest in players with positional flexibility who are capable of performing multiple roles. He pointed out three players to keep an eye on for the 2025 NFL Draft.
J.J. Peguess, DT, University of Mississippi
“Defensively, I brought up Pegues and the various things he is capable of.” He is a defensive tackle who occasionally shifts out to become a massive edge rusher, while on offense, he plays as a wildcat quarterback. He’s a hybrid back. He’s a flyer. He carries the ball. “That’s one of the more enjoyable, adaptable selections in this year’s draft.”
No, that isn’t a mistake. Peguess is the fierce cat quarterback for Ole Miss, and he does quite well at it.
For a team led by a coach who thought about utilizing Alim McNeill as a fullback and even made Penei Sewell take a snap at quarterback, this feels like a move Campbell would make.
Peguess is projected to be selected in the fourth round.
Woody Marks, Running Back, USC
“When I consider a weapon from an offensive perspective, if you’re planning to proceed through the draft, I believe Woody Marks from USC is an intriguing option as a player who can effectively catch passes from the backfield.” He has a vast amount of production dating back to Mississippi State. I believe he can be somewhat of a mismatch player in that context based on his abilities. “Therefore a few various things for him.”
Currently, Marks isn’t a good match for the Lions, as they already have Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery in the backfield, and they can achieve similar contributions from Kalif Raymond or Sione Vaki.
Willie Lampkin, Center, North Carolina
“One of the players I find really intriguing in the draft isn’t attending the combine, which disappointed me, but Willie Lampkin from North Carolina, who is a wrestler.” He stands at 5’10 1/2″ and weighs 275 pounds as a center. When you see his stats on paper, and then watch him during warm-ups, you might think there’s no way he can keep up physically, but he manages to do so. He merely utilizes leverage, strength, and power. He is a talented football player. Wasn’t invited to the combine.
I was disappointed since I wanted to watch him play as a tight end. I wouldn’t be opposed to watching him play as a defensive tackle. “I would be okay with watching him play as a fullback.”
Lions GM Brad Holmes has mentioned that he isn’t particularly concerned with measurables, as long as a player can effectively perform and achieve results. Lampkin is the sort of person like that. The Lions can utilize him in any position. He might be valuable enough for the day three selection.
