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NFL Rumors: Steelers standouts, Vikings UDFA shining, Colts screw Saints

By Cody Williams

Jul 27, 2023; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard Isaac Seumalo (73) works against offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2023; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard Isaac Seumalo (73) works against offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL Rumors, Vikings, Ivan Pace Jr.
Sep 24, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (0) runs onto the field prior to the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

NFL Rumors: Vikings UDFA Ivan Pace Jr. making strong impression in camp

When it comes to the NFL Draft and all of the benchmarks that teams have, it’s not always difficult to ascertain why certain stars from the college football ranks aren’t nearly as coveted when they come to the professional level. Such was the case for former Cincinnati Bearcats All-American linebacker Ivan Pace Jr.

Over the course of seven rounds, Pace went undrafted. That was surely due to his lack of prototypical size at 5-foot-10, 230 pounds, which ultimately allowed the Minnesota Vikings to come in and sign the linebacker as a UDFA.

Now, even if teams and fans fall in love with a UDFA signing, the chances of them making the roster are sometimes slim and the chances of those players seeing the field right away are even slimmer. But so far in training camp, Pace has been one of the biggest stars for the Vikings.

Will Ragatz of Inside the Vikings highlighted that Pace has been all over the field for the defense in practices to this point, highlighting that his style of play is perfect for the attacking style of new defensive coordinator Brian Flores. That also included a quote from Flores talking about the impact that Pace could have.

"“Ivan, he’s a good young player, he’s got some ability,” Flores said. “There’s always that small DB who can play, small linebacker, small defensive tackle, etc. etc. But they’ve got instincts, they’ve got ability that allows them to overcome some of the height or weight or whatever it is.”"

It’s clear that this team believes in the talent of Pace.

As of right now, Jordan Hicks and Brian Asamoah are slated to start as the Vikings linebackers, with Ragatz comparing the latter to Pace, incidentally. If Pace can come out in the preseason, which opens for Minnesota against the Seahawks, and continue to stand out in front of the coaching staff, though, he’ll start to become an undeniable player who Flores and Kevin O’Connell can’t keep off the field.

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