EXCLUSIVE on VIKINGS: 2 Vikings make PFF’s all-rookie team
After a lackluster display from the 2022 rockie class, the 2023 class for the Minnesota Vikings performed essentially better. They even had cornerback Mekhi Blackmon and inside linebacker Ivan Pace Jr., both rookies, named to the Pro Football Focus all-rookie team.
PFF’s Dalton Wasserman praised both Pace and Blackmon, particularly the former.
One of two undrafted players on this list, Pace has been the perfect fit for Brian Flores’ defense in Minnesota. His 77.2 overall PFF grade leads all qualified rookie linebackers and ranks 17th in the league.
Pace’s trademark blitzing ability has carried over from his days at the University of Cincinnati. His 22.9% pass-rush win rate is the second highest among 85 linebackers with at least 20 pass-rush snaps this season.
Even though Pace was an undrafted free agent and performed admirably, he was in the right place with Brian Flores serving as the defensive coordinator. He knows how to utilize players with special ranges of abilities and expands them.
Blackmon was drafted in the third round and flourished in the framework. He completed third among new kid on the block cornerbacks in inclusion grade at 71.7. With the Vikings battles at the position, hitting on Blackmon was a major success.
