LB Ivan Pace Jr.
Got another shout out from Harrison Smith yesterday. If there's a Mr. Mankato, this is the guy. Stay tuned.
These are his strengths as listed from a NFL.com pre-draft profile:
Strengths
- Recorded 262 tackles with 34.5 for loss over the last two seasons.
- Densely bound frame with rare lower-body power.
- Rare contact balance to withstand force and stay balanced.
- GPS to reroute and go make the play.
- Feet and athleticism to slip block seamlessly when needed.
- Surprisingly effective as a stand-up rusher over the guard.
- Balances eyes between routes and quarterback in coverage.
- Possesses the heart of a special teams lion.
@"purplefaithful" said: Man, makes you wonder if he's actually going to crack the starting line-up?
Maybe. Boy, would that be a welcome surprise at a weak position for the Vikings.
@"purplefaithful" said: Man, makes you wonder if he's actually going to crack the starting line-up?
I think he just might. At first, though, he might replace Asamoah until either he or Asamoah can be trusted with the green dot. But I'm looking forward to the day when they start together and we can render Hicks depth.
Pace has already leapfrogged some veteran backups early in training camp. I think the team has definitely noticed and will try to push his limits to see how much he can handle. I wouldn't be surprised at all if ends up getting playing time with the starting defense this season.
@"Wetlander" said: Pace has already leapfrogged some veteran backups early in training camp. I think the team has definitely noticed and will try to push his limits to see how much he can handle. I wouldn't be surprised at all if ends up getting playing time with the starting defense this season.
It's been a while since we had a linebacker that plays with "INTENSITY"...
@"ArizonaViking" said:@"Wetlander" said: Pace has already leapfrogged some veteran backups early in training camp. I think the team has definitely noticed and will try to push his limits to see how much he can handle. I wouldn't be surprised at all if ends up getting playing time with the starting defense this season.
It's been a while since we had a linebacker that plays with "INTENSITY"...
Pace's level of intensity is rare. But Asamoah's got that gene too. When they're both ready to start together, the Vikings will really have something.Hopefully Tonga is ready to live up to his lofty PFF grade. Because the cleaner we can keep those two LBs, the more effective they'll be.
Has Tonga supplanted Phillips along the idl?
@"purplefaithful" said: Has Tonga supplanted Phillips along the idl?
More of a re-alignment...with Tonga assuming the nose tackle position and Phillips moving over to the end position. probably on passing downs, Phillips will become the nose tackle again.
@"purplefaithful" said: Has Tonga supplanted Phillips along the idl?
Man, the Vikings are weak at DT. They need for Roy to pan out. Tonga is the only true NT I see on the roster that will play.
@"ArizonaViking" said:@"Wetlander" said: Pace has already leapfrogged some veteran backups early in training camp. I think the team has definitely noticed and will try to push his limits to see how much he can handle. I wouldn't be surprised at all if ends up getting playing time with the starting defense this season.
It's been a while since we had a linebacker that plays with "INTENSITY"...
Same size as Ed McDaniel who also played with intensity!
He’s going to be a fun one to watch. There’ve been some great ILB’s over the years of similar size and all seem to share that intensity as well as an innate instinct for making the play. I hope he continues to impress.
BOOM
@"Wetlander" said: BOOMUh oh, the shit just got real!
@"StickyBun" said:Seems like Pace isn't competing to make the roster anymore, he's competing for a starting spot.@"Wetlander" said: BOOM Uh oh, the shit just got real!Agree with this take from the author... he's been standing out and the fact he had the green dot against Seattle in P1 means the team wants to see how he's doing calling plays and getting guys lined up. Starter stuff to see if he can handle it.
@"Wetlander" said:@"StickyBun" said:Seems like Pace isn't competing to make the roster anymore, he's competing for a starting spot.@"Wetlander" said: BOOM Uh oh, the shit just got real!Agree with this take from the author... he's been standing out and the fact he had the green dot against Seattle in P1 means the team wants to see how he's doing calling plays and getting guys lined up. Starter stuff to see if he can handle it.
And it sounds like he passed that test as well. I remember the buzz about John Randle his rookie season, but it wasn't to this level. Of course social media cranks up the volume on that, but we might have a real star on our hands.I just hope the Vikings have the balls to put both youngsters on the field at the same time. Throw caution to the wind. Sure would be fun to watch.
Here's some more from our Head Coach's mouth...
MOAR...
He's really outpaced the team's initial expectations....
Worth every dollar of the bonus money that we gave him.
@"StickyBun" said: He's really outpaced the team's initial expectations....
#Dadjoke
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