Under the radar addition to Vikings' roster has star potential
One of the undrafted free agents that the Minnesota Vikings signed after the completion of the 2023 NFL Draft has star potential. Typically, undrafted free agents don't make a roster. Or if they do, their NFL careers are short-lived. But every now and then an undrafted free agent becomes a star in the NFL (Arian […]
One of the undrafted free agents that the Minnesota Vikings signed after the completion of the 2023 NFL Draft has star potential.
Typically, undrafted free agents don't make a roster. Or if they do, their NFL careers are short-lived.
But every now and then an undrafted free agent becomes a star in the NFL (Arian Foster or James Harrison for example). And the Vikings are hopeful that they signed one of those future stars.
The Vikings signed Cincinnati linebacker Ivan Pace Jr to an undrafted free-agent deal this past weekend.
Pace was PFF's highest-graded linebacker last season after totaling 136 tackles (including 20.5 tackles for loss) and nine sacks for the Bearcats.
There are a couple of reasons why Pace, a player that some predicted would go in the middle rounds, wasn't selected in this year's draft.
One reason is his lateral quickness which has been criticized. Another reason is his arm length (just over 30 inches). He also needs to be better in coverage (though he looked good at the Senior Bowl). Those are viable concerns, but Pace's strengths should outweigh those concerns.
Pace is solid against the run, he's a great blitzer, he has a nose for the ball, and he's ridiculously strong.
At worst, Pace is a special teams ace for the Vikings. At best, he's flying all over the field making plays and coming up with tackles for loss in critical situations.
Pace obviously isn't a sure thing — there's a reason the other 31 teams passed on him late in the draft. But the potential is there for the former Cincinnati standout to make an impact in the NFL.
The Vikings may have found one hell of a gem after the draft.
