The Minnesota Vikings only signed seven undrafted free agents last year. With a larger draft class, they weren’t that aggressive in the UDFA market. With only six draft picks this year, they were more aggressive and signed 15 players after the draft.
In an article for Pro Football Focus ranking the top undrafted free agents, the Vikings had the top two signings in Cincinnati LB Ivan Pace Jr. and Army edge Andre Carter II.
Pace was the highest-graded linebacker in the FBS last season, earning a 93.2 overall grade, which included a 90.7 run-defense grade (third) and a 93.3 pass-rush grade (first) that led to 55 pressures and 12 sacks — both the most among linebackers. Pace was one of the smaller linebackers in the draft at 5-foot-10 and 231 pounds and only scored a 5.71 relative athletic score (RAS), but his on-field quickness and blitzing ability should allow for a perfect fit in Brian Flores’ defense.
The Vikings strike again, grabbing the 6-foot-7 and 260-pound Carter, who earned a 93.4 pass-rush grade in 2021 with Army, which tied Aidan Hutchinson for the best in the FBS among edge defenders. In 2022, Carter could not build on his elite 2021 season, which also saw him post 59 pressures and 15 sacks, but he still earned strong pass-rush marks (82.1) and has the size and length to make him worth investing in as a project edge rusher.
Pace Jr. was 113th on PFF’s draft board and Carter II was 121st. They theoretically have a great chance to make the roster, especially Carter II who got $340k guaranteed.
