Lorenzo Alexander is the kind of player coaches love to have on their team. He has a ton of positive energy and is willing to do whatever he can to help. He's an eager (and excellent) special-teamer who doesn't mind being moved around the roster to different positions if that's what's best for the team and his chances to stay in the league.

Alexander was a starting outside linebacker for the Washington Redskins two years ago, when they switched to a 3-4 defense. He moved into a backup role last year after they drafted Ryan Kerrigan for that spot. And now, with the team needing depth at inside linebacker, he's planning to learn and focus on that position this offseason. The Redskins have asked Alexander to be the backup inside linebacker behind starters London Fletcher and Perry Riley. Per Mike Jones at the Washington Post:

"I'm sure I'll still be used all over the place, but my primary focus this offseason will be inside linebacker, fully learning the position and responsibilities," Alexander said. The Redskins have two promising young players as backups at outside linebacker in Rob Jackson, who last season spelled Brian Orakpo, and 2010 seventh-rounder Markus White. But for now, Alexander is the only potential inside linebacker under contract.

One of the strengths on which the Redskins are relying as they continue their rebuilding project is the strong leadership of some high-character people in their locker room. Alexander is one of the players Mike Shanahan inherited who fit that description. The defense has a number of them, including Fletcher, Orakpo, Adam Carriker and others. It helps the team stay positive and focused on the big-picture product at hand, and not get too down after another losing season. It serves them well, and Alexander's eagerness to be flexible is a good example of this trait.