Brace was considered a run-stuffer extraordinaire in predraft analyses, but someone with raw pass-rushing skills. When the Patriots drafted him, most folks thought it was to provide stout backup for Wilfork at nose tackle.
But Brace has seen his duties expand in recent days as the Patriots have lined up the 6-foot-3, 330-pounder outside as well as inside.
Yesterday, Brace found himself at left defensive end with Mike Wright, Wilfork and Jarvis Green filling out a four-man front during some red-zone work. On the next play, Brace slid inside to the nose as the Patriots shifted to their base 3-4 defense.
“Everybody has to play a role, and some people have multiple roles, so you just have to be ready,” he said.
As one might suspect, Brace initially was shocked when informed he’d be getting reps at end. It was, after all, a position he’d never played before.
“It’s really been a big adjustment, and it really goes back to studying the playbook, even more because instead of learning nose, I have to learn the end position, too,” Brace said. “So every day, I just try to work hard. I know I’m not going to be perfect at it. I just come out and try to work on it.”
)Ted Washington. A specimen.
