The Arizona Cardinals have a number of positions to watch where there is competition for playing time and starting jobs. One position to watch is at inside linebacker, but it isn’t the competition many thought it would be.

As the Cardinals did not re-sign Kyzir White, who was the “Mike” linebacker the last two season, making defensive calls, someone would have to replace him. Many believed that there would be competition.

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That is not the case. Mack Wilson, who played the “Will” last season, has been the guy replacing White. The competition is coming at the other linebacker spot, which will have a different starter in this defense for the third consecutive year.

In 2023, it was Josh Woods. Last year, it was Wilson. Now it is a battle between free agent addition Akeem Davis-Gather, former 2023 fifth-round pick Owen Pappoe and rookie fourth-round pick Cody Simon.

“They’re doing a good job right now,” said head coach Jonathan Gannon on Friday. “I feel good about all those guys where they’re trending right now. The competition um for the different spots is is heavy.”

Davis-Gaither is getting reps at both linebacker spots and is a veteran in his first year with the team. Pappoe is the most experienced with two full years with the Cardinals under his belt, while Simon is a rookie.

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Gannon said both positions are “mirrored” mostly, meaning they do a lot of the same things, but the playing time and roles will differ. The Cardinals often go with a big nickel package with only one inside linebacker on the field. Wilson was in that role last year. Now he will presumably play almost every down. Whoever plays alongside will get fewer defensive snaps because of that package.

All three have had first-team reps in practice so far.

It is a position to watch for plays, playing time and preseason snaps.

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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Cardinals ILB competition is not what you initially thought