Ourlads' Profile:
2023 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about IVAN PACE JR.:
Cincinnati | H: 6000 W: 239 40: 4.76 A: 3014 H: 0912 W: 7200
One year starter, Cincinnati, OH. Started two years at Miami (OH) before transferring, Was MAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 and AAC Player of the Year in 2022. Was unanimous All-America last fall. Lacks the length of a top linebacker prospect but when you turn on the tape you see an elite player worthy of his accolades. Played as a stack linebacker in the Bearcats’ defense with some reps outside. Plays with a non-stop motor and is hyper energetic with outstanding second effort. Instinctive lined up inside with solid run fits. He’s patient on his read and when he sees it is quick getting downhill or in the alley. Plays with excellent balance and a powerful lower body. Shows ability to stun and separate from bigger blockers. Quick hands allow him to stack and shed on the move. Excellent playing speed with perimeter to perimeter range in pursuit. Has over the top agility to make plays in space. Launches into tackles with pop to stop ball carriers in their tracks. Usually gathers and drives through tackles. As a blitzer shows an incredible first step along with a closing burst. Can adjust and chase down quarterbacks with second effort. Has shown zone cover skill with ability to process routes and read the quarterback delivery key. Has the speed to match a tight end vertically and can cover a back on flat and wheel routes. Limited man cover reps and can over run route breaks. Used more often to blitz so will need development in coverage. Can be over aggressive and over or under run a play. Occasionally caught on the wrong side of a block losing ball side leverage. Some inconsistency with hand usage allowing bigger linemen to cover him up. Analytics will downgrade him for length and that could factor into where he’s drafted. In the right scheme he can be a three down linebacker.
2022 Stats: 136 T, 20 TFL, 10 sacks, 4 PBU, 7 QBH, 2 FF 2nd/3rd round.