Arizona Cardinals: 5 Players Who Could Switch Positions in 2012

We see it in all sports... whether it is due to injury, lack of depth at a position or the sake of change: There are many reasons why a player will switch positions.

All three of the reasons mentioned can be applied to the Arizona Cardinals heading into the 2012 season. Not only did they add players who can play multiple positions, but they also have several versatile players that were already on the roster.

With the amount of talent that Arizona has, a handful of players could wind up changing positions. Without further ado, let’s take a look at five Cardinals who could switch positions in 2012. 

Nick Eason

Defensive tackle Nick Eason was brought over from the Pittsburgh Steelers last offseason for three reasons—to add depth to the defensive line; to add another veteran into the mix with second-year player Dan Williams and rookie David Carter; and for the Cardinals to say that they have another ex-Steeler on the roster—just kidding on the last one.

Eason could potentially switch to defensive end or play a combination of both end and tackle due to the work he has done during the offseason. The 32-year-old went on a diet and took up boxing in his time off, and by doing so, was able to lose 40 pounds.

Stewart Bradley

After signing with Arizona last offseason, inside linebacker Stewart Bradley had a rough time adjusting to a new defense, and we did not see much of him until the latter half of the season.

With Daryl Washington and Paris Lenon occupying the starting positions and Quan Sturdivant breathing down his neck, we could see Stewart Bradley at outside linebacker some point this year.

Clark Haggans has not been re-signed, and the only real depth behind Sam Acho and O’Brien Schofield is newly acquired Quentin Groves. 

Justin Bethel

I was pretty surprised when Arizona took another corner late in the draft, especially since Emmanuel Acho was still on the board. The Cardinals lost Richard Marshall in free agency but tried to make up for it by signing one corner and drafting two more.

There are anywhere from four to six corners who have a legitimate shot at getting playing time in 2012, which almost forces Justin Bethel to look elsewhere. Adrian Wilson is not getting any younger, and Kerry Rhodes has not done the greatest job of staying healthy for Arizona.

It would not come as a surprise to see Justin Bethel at safety this season.

Adam Snyder

Former San Francisco 49ers lineman Adam Snyder was a great pickup for Arizona in free agency this year. He should be a solid starting right guard for the Cardinals this year and better yet, he can rotate the line if he has to.

It is no secret that the Cards have had offensive line issues in the past, and there are still some question marks heading into 2012. If Levi Brown or Bobby Massie under-perform, Snyder could potentially kick out to tackle. 

Patrick Peterson

Before you rush to the comments box and hit the Caps Lock button, this is not a permanent move. Patrick Peterson is the Arizona Cardinals' No. 1 corner, and that is not going to change.

That said, with the amount of depth that Arizona now has in the secondary, we could see Peterson take his great explosiveness and play-making ability to the offensive side of the ball.

Seeing Peterson and LaRod Stephens-Howling run the Wildcat would be a gift to Cardinals fans, and that is something that we could and should see happen a few times a game this season.