Could an undrafted rookie truly become a cornerstone of an NFL defense in a single season? Ivan Pace Jr., the Minnesota Vikings linebacker, has done just that, exceeding expectations and injecting a dose of electrifying energy into the team's defensive unit.

Ivan Pace Jr.'s journey to the National Football League is a testament to perseverance and raw talent. Undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Pace Jr. defied the odds, quickly becoming a valuable asset for the Minnesota Vikings. His impact on the field, his relentless motor, and his knack for making impactful plays have transformed him from an underdog to a key player in the Vikings' defensive scheme. He's a linebacker who has a good lower body, can spin-move, and his strength is also very good. But his weakness is the use of his hands and strength.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Ivan Pace Jr.
Position	Linebacker
Team	Minnesota Vikings
Date of Birth	December 16, 2000
Height	5 ft 11 in (1.78 m)
Weight	231 lbs (105 kgs)
College	Miami (OH), Cincinnati
High School	Colerain High School
NFL Draft	Undrafted, 2023
Career Games Played (NFL)	11
Career AV (Approximate Value)	6
Key Skills	Tackling, Run Stopping, Pass Coverage, Edge Rushing
Noteworthy Achievement	Quickly established himself as a starter and a leader on the Vikings' defense despite being undrafted.
Injury	Hamstring injury
Reference	Minnesota Vikings Official Website

Pace Jr.'s journey began at Colerain High School, where he showcased the athleticism and grit that would later define his NFL career. He was rated a player after high school, laying the groundwork for his college football career. He played college football at Miami (OH) and Cincinnati, where he honed his skills as a linebacker and edge rusher, transferring from Miami (OH) to Cincinnati in 2021. As a freshman in 2019 at Miami (OH), Pace Jr. saw action in 13 games, accumulating 173 snaps for the RedHawks. During that time, he recorded 7 tackles, 4 assists, and 11 stops, a promising start that indicated the kind of disruptive player he was becoming.

His transition to the professional level was marked by his impressive performance during the 2023 season. The undrafted rookie quickly earned a spot on the roster and became a key contributor to the Vikings' defense. In week 2, Pace Jr. demonstrated his ability to make game-changing plays, keeping Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts from advancing near the line of scrimmage. He proved to be a "rock star" of a find for the Minnesota Vikings defense. By the end of the season, he had established himself as one of the top linebackers in the league, going from undrafted to a starter and captain of the defense. Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores will be giving Pace Jr. everything he can handle in 2024.

Pace Jr.'s impact on the field is undeniable. He is known for his powerful lower body, spin move, and his impressive motor, all of which make him a formidable opponent. However, he has areas where he can improve. It is clear that the Vikings will rely on him for his ability to make game-changing plays. To take the next step, he\u2019ll have to refine his hand use and build additional strength, which will further enhance his effectiveness in the league.

The Minnesota Vikings' defense has felt the impact of Pace Jr.'s absence. The team allowed 4.7 yards per handoff over the last two weeks without him, highlighting the importance of his presence on the field. Pace Jr.'s return from his hamstring injury will be a welcome boost to the team. The Vikings announced on Tuesday that Ivan Pace Jr. had been placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, and the team is eager to have him back on the field.

The 2024 season will present new opportunities for Pace Jr. to further establish himself as a dominant force in the NFL. While it will be difficult for him to surpass the heights he reached in his rookie year, his production could very well increase. With the potential for growth, Pace Jr. is poised to become a foundational piece of the Vikings' defense for years to come.

The Vikings have a young core of players, including cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. (23), who often play alongside Pace Jr. (40). This dynamic duo often reacts together to make the most of the action on the field, as they are the key players for the team. They will be critical in the Vikings' ability to contend in the NFC North and beyond. The news of the return of key players like Harrison Smith will bolster the team's chances. Justin Jefferson, the Vikings' star receiver, is ready to take the field.

The Vikings are preparing for the upcoming season. While the team is eager to have a full roster, they will miss key players such as Jordan Addison and rookie edge rusher Dallas Turner. The team will undoubtedly rely on their young talent to fill the gaps, and the impact of Pace Jr.'s return cannot be overstated. Pace Jr. spent his 23rd birthday playing in front of 50 family members and friends against the Bengals. The game will be important for the team.

The Athletic provides live coverage of Vikings games, and fans can stay updated with all the latest news. With his return from injury, Pace Jr. is expected to bring a renewed sense of energy and determination to the team. His teammates and fans will be looking forward to seeing him back in action. The Vikings will look to Pace Jr.'s performances as they look to advance in the NFC North.

How the rest of the NFL missed on undrafted Vikings rookie LB Ivan Pace

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Ivan Pace Jr. 2023 NFL Draft profile Scout report for the Cincinnati LB

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