Lorenzo Alexander: Can He Help the Arizona Cardinals?

Jan 6, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is tackled by Washington Redskins linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (97) during the second half of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at FedEx Field. The Seahawks won 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Lorenzo Alexander is known as a jack of all trades. He earned the nickname “One Man Gang” due to being able to play not only inside and outside linebacker but also offensive guard, tight end, fullback, defensive tackle, defensive end and special teams ace.

And he’s not bad at any of the positions.

He played in the first ever U.S. Army All-American Bowl (12-30-2000) and was the Washington Redskins top backup. Mike Shanahan called him “the best special teams player he’s been around.” In 2011 he was chosen as an alternate for the Pro Bowl. He was a nominee for the second straight year for the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award and was the teams special teams player of the year.

Oh, and he made the 2013 Pro Bowl as a special-teamer.

Redskins special teams coordinator, Danny Smith said, “I’m so excited for him, for Lorenzo, I mean, there’s no guy more deserving. All people have to do is watch the film. When you look at him, he makes plays every week. He gets double and triple-teamed at times. He has more big, solid hits then anyone.”

Alexander hits with the ferocity like he’s still playing defensive tackle. He’s lost 60 pounds over the course of his career and with every pound he’s lost, he gain in football intelligence and speed. He’s earn the label of being the best at his position and a Pro Bowler. He’s also a good locker room presence.

Lorenzo will most likely get the starting job at the weakside linebacker position. He’s been in the league for six years now but really has only been playing for the last three years. He’s played in 92 games and has posted 163 tackles (106 solo, 57 assisted), eight sacks, five pass deflections, and three forced fumbles.

In 2012, Alexander posted 46 tackles and 2.5 sacks, and he registered 57 tackles in 2012. Alexander registered seven tackles in Week 16 of the 2012 season, and he registered three tackles or more in the Redskins’ last eight games. So, he can make a fairly big impact.

At 29 years of age, Alexander should be fresh like younger players but also should have the experience of veteran players. As much as I like O’Brien Schofield it will be good for him to sit, get healthy, and learn a bit more by watching Alexander, who said that being an Arizona Cardinal is a great opportunity for him to grow and prove that he can be a starter, an every down player.

The Cardinals front office should be celebrating for signing another should be solid player that has something to prove. He is a great player who can help the Cardinals add depth and production at outside linebacker and special teams, and he will be a huge help overall.