Derek Pegues

5’10, 196 pounds | Mississippi State | Free safety

Strengths: Pegues is such a good athlete as a safety, some project him as a cover-2 cornerback in the NFL. Has excellent range playing the middle of the field. Good instincts to diagnose a play quickly as it happens. Hustles to the ball. Seems to always be in a position to make a play on the ball. Has some experience playing cornerback. Has contributed on special teams returning kicks and punts.

Weaknesses: Has some serious character problems that could scare some teams away completely. In May of 2008, Pegues was for a suspended driver’s license and open container violation. Charged with misdemeanor assault on a police officer in 2006. Not the best against the run because of his size and inability to solidly make a tackle. Drags opponents down. Doesn’t have great straight-speed but plays faster than he’ll time.

Final word: For a team like the Colts, Bears or Buccaneers, Pegues could be a solid cornerback candidate. For other teams, he’s strictly a pass coverage free safety. Played cornerback in 2005 and 2006 where he totaled five interceptions and seven pass breakups. Character problems that will need to be evaluated. Second-team all-SEC performer as a senior.

Round projection: 3