ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell recently undertook an intriguing exercise: constructing a hypothetical NFL roster composed entirely of backup players, aiming to assess their potential competitiveness. In this endeavor, he meticulously reviewed all 32 team rosters, including new rookies, with the stipulation of selecting one to two players from each franchise. This comprehensive evaluation led to the inclusion of two notable talents from the Minnesota Vikings.
Vikings Duo Earns Spot on ESPN's All-Backup Roster
In a recent analysis, ESPN's Bill Barnwell named two Minnesota Vikings players, linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. and punter Bret Thorson, to his esteemed 'All-Backup Team' for the 2026 NFL season. The announcement, featured in a July 27, 2026, article, highlighted their potential contributions to a roster built solely from non-starters.
Ivan Pace Jr., a linebacker, had previously held a starting position for two consecutive seasons. However, in the preceding year, he was supplanted by Eric Wilson, who demonstrated exceptional performance against pass protection, thereby securing more playing time. Despite his smaller stature at 5-foot-10 and 236 pounds, Pace Jr. is recognized for his strong capabilities both at the line of scrimmage and in pass coverage. His PFF grades reflect a fluctuating performance, with a notable 77.1 as a rookie in 2023 and 63.0 in 2024, yet a lower 45.1 in the most recent season among defenders with significant snaps.
Bret Thorson, an undrafted free agent from the University of Georgia, brings four years of collegiate punting experience. He is expected to compete for the starting punter role with veteran Johnny Hekker in Minneapolis. While Thorson's path to the final 53-man roster may be challenging, his status as an international player means he does not occupy a traditional roster spot, potentially easing his inclusion.
The selection of Pace Jr. and Thorson underscores their perceived value as reliable depth players in the league. Their inclusion on this unique roster emphasizes the importance of strong backup talent for team success, even if their roles are not in the starting lineup.
The inclusion of two Vikings on this 'All-Backup' roster underscores the depth and hidden talent within the Minnesota organization. It serves as a reminder that valuable contributions often come from players who may not be in the spotlight but are crucial for a team's overall resilience and competitive edge. This concept challenges traditional notions of team building, suggesting that a robust roster requires more than just star players; it demands a strong foundation of capable and versatile backups ready to step up when called upon.
