football positions

NFL positions

Offense:

Quarterback (QB) - They are the field general. They receive the ball from the center and either hand it off to the running back or drop back to pass the ball to an eligible receiver. They also call plays in the huddle (they have a microphone in their helmet) and change plays at the line as needed based on what he sees from the defense.

Offensive line (OL) - their primary job on pass plays is to protect the QB from incoming defenders trying to sack him. They are not eligible to receive a pass on pass plays. Their primary job on run plays is to maul incoming defenders to create a lane for the running backs to run through. The OL is where the most important part of football happens. The offensive tackles (OTs) are typically larger and more nimble guys, whereas the offensive guards (OGs) are much stronger maulers.

Center (C) - the center of the offensive line is responsible for calling out protection/blocking schemes at the line and giving the ball to the quarterback.
Halfback/Running Back (RB) - their primary job is to run the ball on run plays. The quarterback hands the ball off to the running back after receiving the snap from center, and they look for open lanes created by the OL. They sometimes bounce around outside too, looking for open space to run in. On passing plays, they block any extra rushers coming through the OL to protect the QB. They also move out for short passes.

Wide Receiver - their primary job is to go out and get open and catch passes. On running plays, they block for the running back. They run routs/patterns looking for open space through the defense.

Tight End (TE) - their primary job on running plays is to act as an extra OL. On passing plays, they often block extra rushers or go out for a short pass depending on scheme/talent. The side of the tight end is often known as the "Strong side."

Fullback/Running Back (FB) - Their primary job is to be a lead blocker for the running back on run plays. They sometimes run the ball themselves, because they are very very powerful and can gain an extra yard or two very consistently on sheer power. They sometimes receive passes as well, depending on scheme/talent.


Defense:

One thing to note on defense is that there is a 4-3 alignment and a 3-4 alignment. The 3-4 alignment has

OLB ILB ILB OLB
   DE DT DE

And 4-3 is what is shown there. The 4 refers to the number of defensive linemen, the 3 refers to the number of linebackers. Same idea for 3-4.


Defensive Backfield (DBs):
Cornerback (CB) - they often line up opposite wide receivers and their job is to offer support on run plays against blocking wide receivers or cover wide receivers on pass plays.

Free Safety (FS) - They generally play centerfield and watch the quarterback's eyes. They are the last line of support for the defense and their job is to tackle any stray runners and cover any stray receivers/offer coverage and bracketing support for the more talented receiver on the opposite side. They are often speedier, smaller guys with solid tackling abilities in the open field. They are often associated with strong pass defenses.

Strong Safety (SS) - They are the second to last line of the defense and they often play run support. They also often cover TEs and RBs on pass plays due to the fact that they're bigger hitters and bigger guys with great tackling ability. They are often associated with strong run defenses. They also play on the side opposite the TE.

4-3 Defensive Front 7:
Defensive End (DE) - They set the edge on run plays and prevent any outside gains, and on pass plays they rush the passer. Also known as an EDGE rusher. They are often blocked by OTs and TEs.

Defensive Tackle (DTs) - Very monstrous, gigantic guys whose job is to take up space and break past the OL. They often line up against OGs and OTs. They clog up gaps on run plays and open up space for pass rushers on pass plays.

Outside Linebacker (OLB) - they are divided up into Strongside Linebackers (SLB or SAM) and Weakside Linebackers (WLB or WILL). SAM lines up opposite the TE. Their job is to cover on short passes on pass plays and tackle running backs on running plays with gaps that the DTs and DEs create. They often make open field tackles and defensive stops.

Middle Linebacker (MLB or MIKE) - They are the center of the formation and call the defensive plays in the huddle. They make front 7 and secondary adjustments based on plays and they are also the center of a run blocking scheme. They otherwise perform the same duties as the OLB but with much more emphasis on the middle of the field.


3-4 Defensive Front 7:
Nose Tackle (NT) - Their job is to just line up across the OG and OL and clog up as much space as possible. They often require two blockers to block. These guys are BEHEMOTHS at their peak, and stronger than DTs.

Defensive End (DE) - Their job is to clog up passing lanes and bat passes at the line of scrimmage when possible, and clog up as much space as possible. These guys are giant motherfuckers, and are basically DTs in a 4-3 scheme.

Outside Linebacker (OLB) - Their job is to either rush the passer or cover short passes. There are two OLBs and a 3-4 scheme keeps the offense guessing as to which OLB rushes the passer or which OLB covers short passes. Sometimes they send both. They either find a lane created by the DL or they rush through the outside.

Inside Linebacker (ILB) - The same role as an MLB in a 4-3 defense, but they are also a possible rusher on any given pass play. They more often than not play run support and make tackles in the run game. One of them has the defensive mic.