TAMPA, Fla. -- When Kwon Alexander was drafted in the fourth round, the common assumption was he would challenge Danny Lansanah for the starting job at strong-side linebacker.

As it turns out, Lansanah’s job is safe. Part of that is because Lansanah has had a nice camp. But it also is because Alexander has shown he can play another position.

Alexander has been working primarily at middle linebacker, where the Bucs brought in free agent Bruce Carter to be the starter. But that no longer is guaranteed.

Alexander has played so well that he has a shot to beat out Carter for the starting spot at middle linebacker. The coaching staff has been raving about Alexander’s ability to drop into pass coverage. He also has shown signs he can handle being the quarterback of the defense.

Carter has not been a disappointment. But Alexander has been a huge surprise. The competition for the starting job at middle linebacker could be one of the highlights for the rest of training camp and the preseason.