Darnell Dockett resisted the move. It’s only taken six games to change his mind — and for teammates to predict a trip to Hawaii.
Arizona moved the Paint Branch High School graduate to defensive end in its 3-4 front this past offseason. All he’s done at left end is record six sacks, matching the combined total from his first three seasons.
“He wasn’t comfortable with it at first,” Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt said. “He’s been good about sticking with his technique and trying to do some things we felt would help him play that position. … We felt he’d be more explosive.”
The 6-foot-4, 285-pound Dockett played tackle his first three seasons, but the new coaching staff saw that most of his big plays came when he lined up on the left side.
Dockett, who signed a five-year, $22-million extension this past offseason, had a change of heart about the move.
“After I got the contract extension, you figure you’re going to be here for a while anyway, so you might as well get used to it,” Dockett told Arizona reporters. “I’m kind of excited to see how I finish up two years from now playing this scheme. I should be pretty good at it.”
