Former Vikings first rounder Poach Packers to replace Ivan Pace Jr.

THE Minnesota Vikings signed linebacker Jamin Davis to replace the starting linebacker Ivan Pace Jr.who was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury on Tuesday, November 26.

The 19th overall pick by the Washington Commanders As of 2021, Davis played over three seasons in Washington before being released on October 22. Dan Quinn moved Davis to defensive end, a move that ultimately did not solidify Davis as a contributor to the team this season.

Davis signed with the Green Bay Packers on October 29 as a practice squad player. He agreed to leave Green Bay joining the Vikings’ 53-man roster.

Pace suffered a hamstring injury in the first quarter of Minnesota’s 30-27 win over the Chicago Bear during week 12.

Kamu Grugier-Hill should replace Pace in the short term, but Davis could carve out a role in Brian Flores’ defense.

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Former Commanders, Packers LB Jamin Davis’ raw athleticism

Upon leaving college, Davis was one of best pound for pound athletes in the 2021 draft.

At his pro day (the 2021 combine was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic), Davis ran a 4.48 40-yard dash and posted a 42-inch vertical.

Davis only missed three games in his first three seasons with the Commanders and was Washington’s best option at linebacker.

However, the Quinn era ushered in a new focus on defense, and David didn’t fit the mold of what Quinn needed from his inside linebacker. Davis struggled to play instinctively despite his physical tools.

Pro Football Focus found that Davis improved each year in Washington. He is coming off a 2023 season where he finished with a 67.6 defensive rating with above-average grades in run defense (76.1 grade) and tackling (77.6).

Davis’ arm length and leaping ability make his catch radius a threat to opposing quarterbacks, but his coverage hasn’t improved in Washington. He has four assists and one interception in his entire career and a 107.2 passer rating allowed in coverage.

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Vikings’ Brian Flores could put Davis in position to succeed

The complexity of Brian Flores’ defense is intimidating for a player who hasn’t had success elsewhere.

However, Flores has shown a knack for getting the most out of certain players if they can reach a certain level of understanding in his scheme.

Davis’ backfield with the Vikings looks like a north and south defender, which likely won’t warrant much playing time.

But if Flores can coax Davis into an instinctive role in coverage, there could be significant upside for the former Minnesota first-round pick.

Davis should immediately see a role on special teams to take over some of Grugier-Hill’s workload. But if he handles this mission well, he could make a case for being more involved in the future.

Trevor Squire is a sports reporter covering the NFL and NBA for Heavy.com, with a particular focus on the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks. Trevor studied journalism at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, making stops at the Star Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @trevordsquire. Learn more about Trevor Squire