3 players the Cowboys should've drafted over Deuce Vaughn after lost rookie year
By Jerry Trotta
1. Ivan Pace Jr., LB, Vikings
All 32 NFL teams look foolish for not drafting Ivan Pace Jr., so the Cowboys aren't alone in whiffing on the former Cincinnati Bearcat. Still, everyone recognizes Dallas' glaring need for an off-ball linebacker, and Pace looks like a gem in year one.
Pace is currently fourth on the Vikings with 93 tackles. He's compiled 2.5 sacks, 29 defensive stops and 14 pressures all the while being superb in coverage. The rookie owns a 75.5 coverage grade and is allowing just 5.7 yards per catch and a lowly 75.9 passer rating when targeted.
That's insane production for an undrafted rookie. In fact, he's on pace (no pun intended) to become the first UDFA to surpass 100 tackles since 2013.
Pace is undersized for the position at 5-foot-10 and 231 pounds, but he's a tremendous athlete and his natural instincts help him overcome his physical limitations. He's started 11 of 16 games and is the future of the Vikings defense.
Imagine how much better the Cowboys defense would be if they drafted Pace. On second though, don't think about it. It's too painful.
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