JR Pace NFL Draft Overview
Position: Safety
Height: 6’-1”
Weight: 210 pounds
School: Northwestern
2021 NFL Draft Profile: JR Pace
Coaches are looking for production, experience, and maturity in the later rounds of the NFL Draft. A three-star recruit out of high school, JR Pace has had the chance to display his skill set to scouts, and his most recent campaign only helped his draft stock. In 2020, Pace had two interceptions on a Wildcat team that reached a Big Ten Championship. Pace recorded a solid five tackles in the loss, and went on to record eight more in the Citrus Bowl victory against Auburn.
2017 saw a freshman Pace get his hands dirty where he logged four tackles, two interceptions, and two pass deflections. Improving in 2018, Pace had a nose for the ball with 82 tackles, three interceptions, and seven pass breakups. Pace’s junior year was more solid production, 42 tackles, four pass breakups and a lone interception. Two interceptions in his final year saw Pace bring his college total to eight. With production aplenty on his resume, will Pace’s efforts be enough to get him drafted?
Strengths
- Non-stop work ethic – was team captain;
- Always finds himself around the end of a play;
- Has produced at a consistent level;
- Versatile safety – plays man, single high, and two high;
- Rotates well post snap.
Weaknesses
- Doesn’t have burning safety speed;
- Average tackling – misses in space occasionally;
- Hesitant on assignments in the box;
- Conservative in the physical aspects;
- Below average strength when hitting.
NFL Projection: Tracy Walker
Teams With Need at Position: Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, Washington Football Team, Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints
Projection: Seventh Round, Undrafted
Bottom Line on JR Pace
Lots of production on the stat sheet should bode well for Pace heading into the NFL Draft. Eight interceptions across his four years looks good, and playing in the Big Ten also helps his resume. A high character guy, Pace being team captain may attract the attention of blue-collar coaches like Dan Campbell who is looking to establish identity to the Detroit Lions. The Northwestern product can move to many spots in the secondary and still produce. HIs ball skills and experience in single and two high zones may be enough for teams to snag him in later rounds.
Pace has ball-hawk qualities, however, he is only average when it comes to wrapping up ball carriers. Jumping routes to make the big play may leave him giving up long gains in the NFL. He may step in the box, but isn’t aggressive when doing so. A 4.7 40 yard dash time is only average when you play on the last line of the defense. Pace may lose 50/50 balls as well, with only a 35 inch vertical. Production aside, losing a step on receivers in the NFL is costly in the worst way and could be Pace’s Achilles heel.
Conclusively, JR Pace has the stats from his college career to plead a good case to make the NFL. 48 consecutive games played and 35 starts is a testament to his longevity and coaches enjoy players who can stay on the field. Work ethic and leadership may find Pace bolstering a locker room and second team defense. Conversely, his lack of true athleticism and speed could see him landing on just a practice roster after a quiet draft experience. Come April 29th, the Northwestern safety can only hope the numbers speak more than the tape.
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