Why Ivan Pace Jr. will make the final roster for the Minnesota Vikings
Going undrafted in the NFL draft can be a huge disappointment for players. However, sometimes going undrafted works out well and a player finds a perfect fit in free agency. This is what seems to be happening with linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. and the Minnesota Vikings. While we still have an entire preseason to go, […]
Going undrafted in the NFL draft can be a huge disappointment for players.
However, sometimes going undrafted works out well and a player finds a perfect fit in free agency. This is what seems to be happening with linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. and the Minnesota Vikings.
While we still have an entire preseason to go, Pace has done a fantastic job of making the most of his opportunities thus far.
Many were surprised to see Pace go undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft.
It could have been due to Pace's size as the LB is under 6'0" and weighs 231 pounds. That size is more similar to an NFL RB than a LB. Additionally, Pace did not test particularly well, earning an Athletic Score of just 5.71.
However, neither of these things seemed to matter much in college. As a Cincinnati Bearcat in 2022, Pace collected 136 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, and nine sacks.
The talented linebacker seems like a natural fit for a Brian Flores defense. Flores loves aggressive, high-energy players like Pace.
"I'm excited to see him moving forward," Flores said about Pace, per The Athletic's Alec Lewis. Does that sound like a player who won't make the final roster?
Another factor in Pace's favor is the lack of solid depth at the position. Brian Asamoah II currently stands atop the depth chart as Eric Kendricks' replacement, but Pace could easily take snaps away with a solid preseason.
Jordan Hicks, a reliable veteran, is the other starter on the inside. Behind that, the room gets thin rather quick. Troy Reeder came over from the Chargers, but Pace is faster and more athletic.
Troy Dye is another LB option, but he is one of the few remaining players drafted by the previous regime. Additionally, Pace has been receiving reps with the first-team defense at camp.
It certainly seems like Pace is already in the team's plans for 2023.
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Featured image via © Kareem Elgazzar, Cincinnati Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
