The Rise of Ivan Pace Continues
It has been a fun journey thus far for Vikings fans and their undrafted linebacker out of Cincinnati. When Minnesota parted ways with longtime linebacker Eric Kendricks in the 2023 campaign, the remaining players were Jordan Hicks coming off an underwhelming season, special teamer Troy Dye, and backup Brian Asamoah. This shaky group raised some concerns.
The Rise of Ivan Pace Continues
After passing on linebackers in the entire draft, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah found gold in the undrafted pool by signing Pace. He was viewed as a perfect fit for new defensive coordinator Brian Flores as an undersized player with an elite ability to get after the quarterback from the linebacker position. Fast forward one year and those who predicted him to make the roster and earn a significant role would be right.
Once again, the linebacker crew underwent some major changes, as last year’s top player at the position, Jordan Hicks, moved on in free agency to sign with the Cleveland Browns. Adofo-Mensah acted quickly and acquired Minnesota native Blake Cashman, previously with the Houston Texans, where he experienced a breakout season in 2023.
Pace and Cashman should be expected to be the starting duo behind the defensive line. The early reports, however, suggest that Pace could have an increased role in his sophomore campaign and earn the green dot duties vacated by Hicks’ departure.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert wrote about the competition for the green dot helmet:
Pace appeared to be the top contender for the green dot during spring practices. O’Connell said Pace “has had a very good spring, just with the type of communication [Flores] is putting on his plate,” but indicated the Vikings were also taking a look at newcomers Blake Cashman and Kamu Grugier-Hill.
Kevin Seifert, ESPN
The player with the green dot can hear the play calls from the defensive coordinator and must forward the calls to his teammates. It’s his task to get them lined up correctly and call audibles on the field. He is practically the quarterback of the defense before the snap, and the assignment requires a total understanding of the defensive playbook and perfect communication skills.
How that role impacts the snap counts was obvious last year. Hicks appeared in 13 games and played 813 snaps, 92% of the plays in games in which he was available. Outside of the contest versus the Saints and the season’s final game against the Lions, his snap percentage never dropped below 89% in a game.
Pace, meanwhile, played 706 reps through all 17 games (62%). He played in less than half the plays in six matchups. However, in the four games without Hicks, in which he was designated as the green dot player, he logged every single snap on defense.
If Pace comes out victorious and the team trusts him over Cashman with the dot, he will earn a large snap count in the upcoming season. He is ready for that role if the coaches pick him. Source? The linebacker.
It made me think more and actually focus and break down what the offense is doing, what our defense is doing. … I know they brought in a couple linebackers that have more experience and stuff, but if they trust me enough to have the green dot, I’m ready for it.
Ivan Pace
In 17 games, Pace logged 102 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble. Pace excelled in all facets of the game and became more than just a situational pass-rush specialist. Instead, he showcased some talent as a player in coverage and versus the run, although his specialty remains to put pressure on the opposing passer.
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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt