2 “Ivan Paces” Trending to Make Vikings Roster
The Minnesota Vikings will reveal their 53-man roster in 22 days, and as of early August, two undrafted free agents are on a fast track for the depth chart in the regular season.
2 “Ivan Paces” Trending to Make Vikings Roster
Last year, notable undrafted free agents Ivan Pace Jr. (off-ball linebacker) and Andre Carter II (outside linebacker) made the cut, and history may repeat itself.
These two players appear well on their way to the September roster.
Dwight McGlothern (CB)
McGlothern was speculated as a mid-to-late-round pick leading into the draft, but then the event passed without his name mentioned at the podium in Detroit.
McGlothern experienced two-way utility as a wide receiver and cornerback in high school before heading to LSU. The four-star recruit was a part-time starter in Louisiana during the post-Justin Jefferson era but transferred to Arkansas after two seasons. He logged seven interceptions and 72 tackles in two seasons with the Razorbacks. His measurables at the NFL Combine didn’t jump off the page, evidently causing 31 general managers to say “no thanks” during the draft.
Nicknamed “Nudie” — we’re not sure, either — defensive coordinator Brian Flores heaped praise on his young defensive back last week. “Nudie’s done a real nice job. We liked a lot of things about him, as well, coming out. Ball skills would be the first thing that comes to mind,” Flores told reporters about Nudie. “He’s a guy who’s just got a knack and a feel for being around the ball when it’s in the air. Obviously he’s got height and length and speed, but the instincts are the thing that jumped out to me and us as a staff. There’s a lot to like about Nudie.”
Meanwhile, McGlothern has a somewhat clear path to the active roster after tragedy struck the Vikings last month, and second-year corner Mekhi Blackmon tore his ACL. In fact, he’s the one big hope for Minnesota via youth at the CB position.
And Nudie is tall by Vikings secondary standards, 6’2.”
Gabriel Murphy (OLB)
Perhaps more closely linked to Ivan Pace Jr. — both men’s physical statures scared draft scouts — Murphy, too, is on his way to Minnesota’s regular season roster, it seems.
Murphy’s UDFA deal clocked in at $245,000 in guaranteed cash, which is more than Pace Jr.’s paycheck in 2023. It’s unlikely that the Vikings would sign Murphy to that deal and release him a few months later. Like Pace Jr. in 2023, Murphy was neglected in the draft because of size and perceived strength. General managers believed he was too small for the EDGE spot or not strong enough for sustainability. Still, he was supposed to go off the draftboard sometime in the middle rounds but curiously tumbled into the undrafted pool.
Flores, who doesn’t sling praise lightly, also referenced Murphy’s training camp ascension last week. “The thing that stands out is just his football IQ. He’s very bright. It’s very important to him. We were in a staff meeting the other day, and (someone) said that Gabe Murphy despises bad football,” Flores opined. “That’s a good thought for a coach to say about a player. He’s done a real nice job. I’m excited to see him moving forward in preseason games. We’ve got a long way to go, but he’s off to a good start.”
Oddly, the EDGE depth seemed suspect after Danielle Hunter left Minnesota in March. Now, though, Minnesota employs Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, rookie Dallas Turner, Patrick Jones II, Jihad Ward, Andre Carter, and Murphy at outside linebacker. Not bad.
The summer hype on McGlothern and Murphy will climax on August 27th when Kevin O’Connell reveals his initial 53-man roster.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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