Vikings have top 10 linebackers according to PFF

It’s crazy to think how much better Minnesota fans can think of the Vikings’ linebackers with the signing of a UDFA. Last season, Minnesota stole the draft by signing Cincinnati linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. to a UDFA contract. Pace Jr. went on to start for Minnesota and become one of the best young linebackers in the game.

Led by Pace Jr., Pro Football Focus ranked all 32 NFL linebacker rooms, and the Vikings have the 10th best room.

Undrafted free agent Ivan Pace Jr. has been one of the top stories of the 2023 season after earning a starting role in the Vikings’ defense and earning a 77.7 PFF coverage grade. They’re pairing him with Blake Cashman this season, with the former 2019 fifth-round pick coming off a career year in 2023 (82.1 PFF grade).

Pace Jr. and Cashman will form a younger but formidable linebacker for Brian Flores and the Vikings. Minnesota also signed Andrew Van Ginkel, but he’s more of an edge player. He’s listed as a linebacker in some spots. Brian Asamoah II was supposed to be the Vikings’ next starting linebacker, but he hasn’t fully settled in yet. He’s not a terrible backup option for Minnesota’s defense, though.

Outside of Pace Jr., Cashman and Asamoah II, the Vikings’ linebacker depth isn’t great. Some players don’t have a lot of experience and that’s who Minnesota could turn to in free agency if an injury were to arise.