The Minnesota Vikings‘ defense was a topic of discussion in 2024, primarily due to the dominance of their pass rush. Players like Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Pay Jones II all shone from start to finish of the year. Not to be forgotten, though, was the play of the linebacker unit, which was making plays week in and week out.

Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr. headline the unit, and they are finally getting their praise from the folks at Pro Football Focus.

They have been breaking down the best position units across the NFL, and the Vikings have been highlighted several times for their roster. The latest group to be covered was the linebacker unit, which placed at the number ten spot, earning them a very respectable rating.

“Minnesota doesn’t have any household names in its linebacker room, but it’s quietly a very productive group. Blake Cashman has emerged as a legitimate starter, boasting an 80.3 PFF overall grade over the past two years. Ivan Pace Jr. is one of the better undrafted free agent finds in recent memory. He placed among the top 10 linebackers in PFF run-defense and pass-rush grades last season. Eric Wilson is a solid third option who earned a 64.3 PFF overall grade in Green Bay last season. Sixth-round rookie Kobe King could also provide value in run defense if needed.”

On top of providing the expected run support, the type you hope the middle of your linebacking unit gives, they also surprise folks with their pass rush. Both Cashman and Pace Jr. can be reliable blitzers when called upon.

What can really take this group over the top, though, is some added depth, so if the Kobe King selection can turn into anything, that would complete the unit.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Where does the Vikings linebacker unit rank among the entire NFL?