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The Vikings Put 3 Defenders on Notice as Training Camp Nears
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- The Vikings Put 3 Defenders on Notice as Training Camp Nears
Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
The Vikings are moving into a pivotal season . At the risk of stating the obvious, the team's players need to play better than last season. Some of that process means welcoming new guys while those who have been in town for a little while elevate their game.
In 2025, the Vikings finished off at a disappointing 9-8. Getting to that tepid, uninspiring final record meant stacking five wins to finish off the year, meaning the record showed 4-8 as the team was getting past the halfway mark. DC Brian Flores was largely responsible for the Vikings getting above .500 since his defense was so impressive. Minnesota has nevertheless put some players on notice, bringing in such robust competition that some returning talent needs to step up or get left behind.
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The Vikings Put a Trio of Defenders on Notice
Player No. 1 — Linebacker Ivan Pace Jr.
Nov 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (0) sneaks a peak into the backfield against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
In Ivan Pace, the Vikings boast a fly-forward, all-out-attack defender who makes his living due to being unusually aggressive. Sounds like a perfect fit for the Brian Flores defense.
At this stage, however, Pace is the LB4 in Minnesota. Most of his problems arise when he needs to drop into pass coverage but he struggled with tackles last season, too. He was an RFA moving into the offseason, being brought back for a $3,520,000 cap charge that could be totally wiped away with a cut or trade . Opting to bring Eric Wilson back while then drafting Jake Golday looks likely to make Pace's job more modest moving into 2026.
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Now, that's not to say that he won't earn a large job. However, Pace is no longer going to be a starter by default. Pace has seen his portion of the pie grow smaller since breaking out as a rookie in 2023. Only 25, Pace is a good player who is capable of reversing the trend.
Player No. 2 — Theo Jackson
Minnesota Vikings safety Theo Jackson (26) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 14, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The turnover helped swing momentum early for the Vikings at home. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Theo Jackson was on the ascent from 2022-2024 when he was a part-time defender and full-time special teams weapon. His debut season as a starter didn't go particularly well, though.
Jackson returns as the S2 for the Vikings. Josh Metellus is going to start. There's then a group that's seeing Jackson compete alongside Jay Ward and Jakobe Thomas to form the safety twosome when a pair is required. Ward is capable of doing some really good things as a long, aggressive, and physical safety. Meanwhile, Thomas turned heads last season for a Miami team that went all the way to the college championship.
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Another sneaky detail to note is the signing of James Pierre . The veteran is going to make it easier to roll with a trio of corners, a departure from last year when only Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers were leaned on for heavy snap totals. Expect a shift that goes 3CB/2S instead of 3S/2CB when Flores wants to go nickle.
What happens if Harrison Smith returns? The Vikings could further crowd things in the secondary if The Hitman goes for another season.
Player No. 3 — Levi Drake Rodriguez
Vikings defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez celebrates with Bo Richter in 2024 after an impactful play. Mandatory Credit: Alli Rusco, Vikings.com
Best guess on this end of the internet is that Levi Drake Rodriguez is a starter in 2026. That's no sure thing, though.
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Most notably, there's the presence of the hulking Caleb Banks. Fill-in GM Rob Brzezinski pulled off a shocking selection in the 2026 NFL Draft by opting for the injured but remarkably talented Banks at No. 18. Moreover, the addition of DT Domonique Orange — nicknamed "Big Citrus" due to his size and name — appears to further muddy the waters for who gets to start at defensive tackle.
Jalen Redmond is essentially locked into a starting position. Who gets to do the dirty work alongside the DT1 remains to be seen. Rodriguez offers excellent hustle and ruggedness, but he's an undersized guy who was chosen by the Vikings in the 7th in 2024.
Can the 1st and/or the 3rd get past him on the depth chart? Rodriguez needs to continue ascending.
