In a bit of irony, Cardinals coach Dennis Green said Tuesday the only linebacker who is set in his position is Calvin Pace — the man who was a defensive end until May.
The Cards are in the midst of shuffling the other positions. James Darling is working on the weak side with Orlando Huff, while free agent signee Mark Brown has made an impression in the middle along with Gerald Hayes, Green said.
But, Green added, “we think Calvin is set and locked in” at the strong side, especially with Karlos Dansby still out.
“It’s not a hard position,” Pace said. “It’s not like I am running the defense. They just need the size and athleticism, and I think I fit perfectly at the position, to be honest. I guess I should have been there from the jump.”
The former No. 1 pick wasn’t sure he wanted to move positions originally, but he said he has warmed to the idea of his change. After his bumpy career so far, including missing most of last season after cutting his arm wrestling with his friend during the bye week in Atlanta, he also felt it was important to show “I want to be here, that I should be here.”
“The things that went on in the past and what people thought of me,” Pace said, “I always told myself I wanted to change the mind-set.”
