3 stunning takeaways from the Vikings first night practice of 2023

Takeaway No. 1

Ivan Pace Jr. pushing for serious playing time

Despite earning a unanimous All-American selection during his final college season at Cincinnati in 2022, linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. somehow managed to go undrafted back in April.

Since the pads have been put on this summer, however, Pace has been making plenty of plays that are only making more wonder how he went undrafted earlier this year.

Pace began this summer's training camp getting some reps with the second-team defense in 11-on-11 drills. Well, on Thursday, the Vikings decided to give the undrafted rookie some snaps with the first-team defense, according to multiple reports.

Some felt Pace had a chance to make an impact for Minnesota's special teams during his rookie year if he managed to earn a spot on the roster. But it's starting to sound like he could end up becoming a significant part of the Vikings' plans on defense for the upcoming season.