Looking for this year’s Ivan Pace Jr.? Check out Bo Richter

A deeper dive into the Vikings’ UDFA

Looking deeper into the Vikings list of UDFA signings, there is no shortage of potential ‘Ivan Pace Jr.’ award winners in this group- undrafted free agents that could make the roster and make an impact.

One player not talked about much yet is Bo Richter, an edge rusher out of Air Force. Let’s take a quick look at him and why he’s got a lot of the same vibes as Ivan Pace Jr. coming out.

Traits

Richter as a bigger, more athletic version of Ivan Pace Jr., closer to a traditional linebacker in size, but with modern linebacker athleticism. Similar arm length and hand size as Pace.

College Stats

• Spent five seasons at Air Force (2019-23), appearing in 36 contests. Tallied 85 total tackles, including 26.5 for loss, 11.5 sacks, one interception, two passes defensed, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
• Posted single-season career highs in total tackles (45), tackles for loss (19.5), sacks (10.0), forced fumbles (three) and fumble recoveries (two) in a season-high 13 games played.
• In 2022, registered 26 total tackles, including 5.5 for loss, in 12 games played.
• In 2021, played in 11 games, starting the final two games of the season, and recorded 14 total tackles, including 1.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception and a pass defensed.
• Did not see action during the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
• All-Mountain West First Team (2023)

PFF Stats

PFF did not do a profile on Richter, but in his 2023 season among FBS edge rushers in the 2024 draft class:

• 5th highest overall PFF defensive grade in draft class (89.7)
• 3rd highest pass rush grade (92.2)
• 4th highest coverage grade (86.8)
• 2nd highest pass rush win rate (23.2%)
• Tied for 11th in total QB pressures with Dallas Turner at 55

Scouting Report

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Overview

Richter is an undersized edge defender with short arms, but his athletic profile gives him a chance to compete for a roster spot. He has muscles on muscles and a strong base that allows him to play through edges and maintain balance at contact. He also has plus pursuit speed and racked up impact stats on the other side of the line. His rush is more effort-based than skilled, and that production might not translate as a pro. However, his pro day testing was terrific, and he plays with a nice GPS toward the ball. Richter might need to prove he can play off-ball linebacker, but his traits and special-teams potential should help his chances.

Strengths

Muscular frame with exceptional lower-body explosiveness.

Posted 19.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in 2023.

Ignites a big burst to close on quarterbacks in the pocket.

Fluid in his change of direction in pursuit of his target.

Sturdy balance through contact when taking on blocks.

Weaknesses

Severe lack of length hinders opportunities as an edge rusher.

Average short-area quickness in his rush counters.

Upper body is a little tight in attempts to flip the corner.

Engulfed and neutralized by size as a run defender.

College Highlights

Bottom Line

Richter would likely need to make the transition from outside to inside linebacker to make the Vikings roster, but he definitely has the traits to do so successfully. In fact, he would be a great fit in Brian Flores’ defense in that role, given his ability to rush the passer while also being able to play coverage.

Richter did not play much inside linebacker with Air Force but did have some snaps there. His strengths align with what is desired in an inside linebacker, while his weaknesses are more in his role as an edge rusher.

If he can successfully transition to inside linebacker, Richter could not only make the Vikings roster, he could become a contributor on defense and special teams as well.