Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Okeafor

Backups Clark Haggans, Travis LaBoy, Matt Ware and Monty Beisel worked with the Cardinals' starting defense in practice recently, Darren Urban of azcardinals.com noted.

Haggans is pushing Chike Okeafor for the starting job at strong-side linebacker (a hybrid defensive end position in Clancy Pendergast's defense). LaBoy is pushing defensive end Bertrand Berry for another starting spot. Beisel is fighting for a roster spot after a back injury forced him to miss extensive time. Ware is behind safety Aaron Francisco on the depth chart.

As Urban explains, the changes might reflect coach Ken Whisenhunt's plans for the upcoming exhibition game. Plenty of backups will play. Haggans and LaBoy do figure to play extensively this season. Arizona has quietly upgraded its depth in the front seven, both through the draft (Calais Campbell and Kenny Iwebema) and free agency (Haggans, LaBoy, Bryan Robinson). I asked Okeafor about the nature of the competition. Okeafor:

It's positive. Playing a child's game as a grownup is living a dream. Competitiveness comes in the game. My greatest competitor is myself, trying to achieve my goals and that is basically what I worry about. That is the only person I can control. I haven't thought about it too much, honestly.

Sorry, I'm not the typical football player. I just don't worry about things that aren't in my realm of control. Truly, few things are. You just got to go out and have fun every day, fly around and have fun. No need for worry or doubt. All that stuff is negativity, man. I try to dwell in positivity. It's good competition. It's good to have people out there hustling and making plays.

Haggans stood out in camp when I visited Flagstaff. LaBoy has stood out during the exhibition games. He has two sacks. Okeafor:

What those two players bring is they give us ability to rotate, which is what the league is shifting to, keeping guys fresh and not having drop-off of play. That will be a great asset. The higher the competition, the better it is in the long run for all of us. There is no drop-off. Plenty of snaps for everyone.

As noted Wednesday, a conversation with Okeafor is almost always a refreshing exercise.