Vikings UDFA continues to earn reps with the first team
Who doesn't love a good underdog story? The Minnesota Vikings are witnessing a great one this summer. Ivan Pace Jr. was an extremely productive college linebacker. The Cincinnati product was almost unanimously thought of as a mid-round prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, due to size concerns and struggles in pass coverage, Pace fell completely […]
Who doesn't love a good underdog story? The Minnesota Vikings are witnessing a great one this summer.
Ivan Pace Jr. was an extremely productive college linebacker. The Cincinnati product was almost unanimously thought of as a mid-round prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, due to size concerns and struggles in pass coverage, Pace fell completely out of the draft.
After going undrafted, the Vikings were quick to sign the linebacker. Since that day, Pace has done nothing but prove he's not only capable of being on a roster but being a starter as well.
Many were shocked to learn that Pace received work with the starters during training camp. The UDFA spent a significant amount of time this summer ahead of Troy Dye and Troy Reeder.
In the first preseason game, Pace continued to prove he belongs. The young linebacker tied for the team lead with four tackles. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has praised Pace, and head coach Kevin O'Connell also recently explained what makes Pace stand out.
"The way he has the athleticism to run sideline to sideline, cancel out some mistakes," said O'Connell. "If we lose a gap here or there, he’s shown to be able to get off blocks for a guy that when I watched his tape in college, he was almost unblockable and that’s translating in a lot of ways."
On Wednesday, Brian Asamoah missed practice due to injury and Pace filled in next to Jordan Hicks. The defense hasn't missed a beat when the UDFA fills in.
"So, really, he’s gold stars all the way around for Ivan," explained O'Connell. "As I’ve challenged him to do, you’re not just trying to compete to make our team, let’s see where you can go and help us possibly win football games from the jump.”
O'Connell's comments certainly seem to imply that Pace is in no danger of being cut. Pace will definitely be a player to watch in the Vikings' second preseason game on Saturday.
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Featured image via © Kirby Lee | 2023 Mar 1
