It’s not uncommon to see undrafted free agents make the team in the NFL. In fact, according to Yahoo! Sports, from 2019-2023, well over 400 undrafted free agents went on to not only make their team but reach the team’s starting lineup.
What’s more rare, though, is an undrafted free agent playing so well that he becomes somewhat of a household name. That’s becoming a reality for Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace, Jr. Pace went undrafted in the 2023 NFL draft but quickly worked his way into the lineup and has become one of the league’s rising young stars, according to The Sporting News.
In his list of the top 25 players in the league under 25 years old, Vinnie Iyer put Pace on the team in one of his three linebacker spots, saying:
The undrafted gem from Miami (Ohio) was on the field everywhere making big plays for Brian Flores as a rookie in 2023. He can become more prolific out of the gate this season.
Pace earned his spot on The Sporting News’ list by being a productive player in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ defensive scheme at all levels. Pace’s rookie season ended with him notching 102 tackles while also accounting for two tackles-for-loss, nine quarterback hits, and 2.5 sacks.
But Pace wasn’t just a force at or behind the line of scrimmage. Pace also had two passes defended and one interception while playing in all 17 games for the Vikings, with 11 starts.
It truly was an exceptional rookie season for the young linebacker—one worthy of praise and likely worthy of an expanded role for Flores’ defense in year two.