7 underrated prospects the NY Giants could steal in the 2023 NFL Draft

2. LB Ivan Pace Jr., Cincinnati

Out of all the linebacker prospects we have looked at throughout this year's draft cycle, there may not be a player at the position more entertaining to watch than Ivan Pace Jr., which is saying a lot considering how stacked of a linebacker class this year's draft has.

However, the main thing holding Pace back from being the certified top linebacker in the class is his size, as a 5-10.5, 231-pound frame for a linebacker is far from ideal. However, we have seen linebackers at this size be successful in the past, and with the heart Pace plays with, anything is possible.

In 13 games last season, Pace racked up 126 combined tackles, 25 pressures, 12 sacks, and two forced fumbles. In addition to this, Pace is also incredibly solid in coverage, allowing 12 receptions on 14 targets for 114 yards and two touchdowns, while breaking up two passes in the process.

The combination of speed, aggressiveness, and IQ Pace plays with is special - if he had the frame of Trenton Simpson, Pace would be the clear-cut LB1 of the draft class and it likely wouldn't be very close.

We're confident that Pace will be one of the short kings of the linebacker position once he makes the NFL. The versatility and heart he brings to the field will more than make up for his lack of size relative to his position.