Athletic Profile
Height: 5104
Weight: 231
Arm Length: 30 1/4”
40 Time: 4.62
Vertical: 35”
Broad Jump: 908
Shuttle: 7.18
Relative Athletic Score: 5.71
* Indicates Recorded At Pro Day
Statistics
2022: 55 PR - 12 SK - 92 TKL (13.1 MIS%) - 69 STOP - 3 PBU - 140.2 NFL
2021: 21 PR - 6 SK - 85 TKL (10.6 MIS%) - 57 STOP - 2 PBU - 66.5 NFL
Snap Count
DL: 210
BOX: 1,818
SLOT: 56
Pros
Contact Balance
Flexibility
Pass Rush Ability
High Effort Player
Cons
Lacks Traditional Size
Run Game Instincts
Block Deconstruction
Grab & Drag Tackler
Summary
Ivan Pace Jr was stand out linebacker at University of Miami (OH) for three years before transferring to Cincinnati. Pace was a star for the Bearcats in 2022 racking up 12 sacks and 92 tackles en route to a boat load of accolades.
Pace possesses a squat compact body for a MIKE backer that lets him play with outstanding natural leverage. His best reps in the run game at the point of attack come when he is the aggressor and gets under lineman’s pads. When coming downhill Pace shows excellent quickness and balance. He has an uncanny ability for reducing his strike zone and slipping around blocks to make splash plays. The most unique part of Pace’s game and what will likely be his NFL calling card is his pass rush ability (18 sacks in the past two years). Pace is excellent at timing blitzes from the line of scrimmage and second level. As a rusher off the edge he shows the bend and hand work to defeat tackles one on one. Pace’s best plays in both the run and pass game come when he is allowed to play downhill with aggression.
Pace lacks traditional size for a MIKE linebacker and struggles to hold up at the point of attack. He lacks the block deconstruction ability to be consistent in his run fits and he does not have the play strength to hold versus bigger lineman when they engage. Pace is aware of this and often tries to slip around blockers but this can place him in poor pursuit angles. He lacks the straight line speed to overcome poor angles in the run game. His short arms prevent him from striking and shedding lineman before they are able to engage. Pace’s run game instincts are a major work in progress. He often gets caught in ball chase mode and when he is asked to read and react his eyes are lost in the backfield. As a tackler Pace has a small tackle radius at his size and it often reduces him to being a grab and drag tackler. He gives great effort and is a willing tackler but struggles to overcome his physical limitations.
Pace best projects a MIKE backer in a defense that uses its linebackers aggressively around the line of scrimmage. He will also provide strong special teams versatility and should be a fun sub package player on third down with his unique pass rushing skillset.
Grade: 5.78 - 4th Round Grade (Has A Chance To Contribute)
Games Watched: Arkansas (2022), SMU (2022), USF (2022)