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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Deshawn Pace, NB, Cincinnati

Deshawn Pace possesses notable athleticism and coverage skills as a key piece of Cincinnati's defense. Hula Bowl scout Hayden Russell breaks down Pace as an NFL Prospect in his report.
Deshawn Pace possesses notable athleticism and coverage skills as a key piece of Cincinnati’s defense. Hula Bowl scout Hayden Russell breaks down Pace as an NFL Prospect in his report.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #Deshawn Pace, #3
School (Code)University of Cincinnati (OHCI)
DOB, Class YrN/A, 4th-Year Senior
Height, Weight6011, 200
40 Yd Dash4.55
Position/DepthNickel/1st
Honors/Captainship2021 All-AAC Honorable Mention
Season Viewed (yr)2023
Games WatchedVs. TXBA, @ WVUN, Vs. OKST
Scout Name / DateHayden Russell, 11/27/2023

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

202311 GP, 80 TKL, 11 TFL, 1.5 Sacks, 1 INT, 5 PBU, 1 FF
202213 GP, 62 TKL, 5 TFL, 1 Sack, 1 INT, 2 PBU, 1 FR
202114 GP, 95 TKL, 9.5 TFL, 0.5 Sacks, 4 INT, 6 PBU, 1 FR
20208 GP, 10 TKL, 1 FF

Player Summary:

Deshawn Pace is a 4th-year senior NB who has been one of Cincinnati’s most productive players over the past three seasons. He typically aligns as the NB, and has also aligned at safety in certain packages. Possesses great height and marginal weight with a thin torso and long arms. Athleticism stands out in a number of areas. In off-man coverage, utilizes a solid collision matched with good COD to stay in-phase with slot WRs. Good in zone coverage reading the QB’s eyes and recognizing intentions to make adjustments. Will escort targets in his zone and deliver them to the next defender while using a quick processor and above-average agility to maintain proper leverage. Shows a fluid backpedal when dropping to a deep zone. Solid ball skills with a knack for breaking up passes when he has opportunities. A disciplined run defender who will secure the edge before committing on inside run schemes. At the LOS, uses considerable physicality to fit inside gaps and attack the ball carrier. Notable bend defeating blockers and adjusts his body to make tackles at difficult angles. In pursuit, takes great angles to the ball carrier and utilizes great acceleration to catch them from behind. Utilizes violence and great tackling form to finish both in traffic and the open field. Adds value as a blitzer off the edge using speed and bend to win. Adequate functional strength to collision good-sized TEs in man coverage. Will often get driven out of the way by OL in the run game when taking them head-on. Marginal block destruction to beat blockers in space with physicality. While he shows solid speed, will not be able to stay in-phase with speedy slot receivers downfield.

Scheme Fit:

Fits best as a NB at the next level.

Power Statement:

A long, athletic NB who stands out in coverage with instincts, man coverage skills, and ball skills, and will make an impact in the run game with violence at the LOS and tackling ability. Needs to improve his strength to take his game to the next level, and must work on his block destruction to defeat blockers in space.

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