Defensive Player Archetypes
Explore all defensive player archetypes and their unique skill sets, strengths, and weaknesses for each position.
Left Edge
3 archetypes
Left Edge
Power Rusher
Knocks linemen off balance with strength to blast through blockers on their way to the quarterback.
- Key attributes
- Power Moves, Tackle, Pursuit
Left Edge
Speed Rusher
Uses quickness and fancy moves to dart around slow offensive linemen.
- Key attributes
- Finesse Moves, Tackle, Pursuit
Left Edge
Run Stopper
Plays to penetrate their gap assignment to stuff runs before they get started.
- Key attributes
- Block Shedding, Tackle, Play Recognition
Defensive Tackle
3 archetypes
Defensive Tackle
Power Rusher
Knocks linemen off balance with strength to blast through blockers on their way to the quarterback.
- Key attributes
- Power Moves, Tackle, Pursuit
Defensive Tackle
Speed Rusher
Uses quickness and fancy moves to dart around slow offensive linemen.
- Key attributes
- Finesse Moves, Tackle, Pursuit
Defensive Tackle
Run Stopper
Plays to penetrate their gap assignment to stuff runs before they get started.
- Key attributes
- Block Shedding, Tackle, Play Recognition
Right Edge
3 archetypes
Right Edge
Power Rusher
Knocks linemen off balance with strength to blast through blockers on their way to the quarterback.
- Key attributes
- Power Moves, Tackle, Pursuit
Right Edge
Speed Rusher
Uses quickness and fancy moves to dart around slow offensive linemen.
- Key attributes
- Finesse Moves, Tackle, Pursuit
Right Edge
Run Stopper
Plays to penetrate their gap assignment to stuff runs before they get started.
- Key attributes
- Block Shedding, Tackle, Play Recognition
WILL Linebacker
2 archetypes
WILL Linebacker
Pass Coverage
Lurks around the field, disrupting passing lanes and forcing quarterbacks to make difficult throws.
- Key attributes
- Zone Coverage, Man Coverage, Tackle
WILL Linebacker
Run Stopper
Finds their gap and meets running backs at the point of attack for easy stops.
- Key attributes
- Hit Power, Pursuit, Tackle
MIKE Linebacker
3 archetypes
MIKE Linebacker
Pass Coverage
Lurks around the field, disrupting passing lanes and forcing quarterbacks to make difficult throws.
- Key attributes
- Zone Coverage, Man Coverage, Tackle
MIKE Linebacker
Run Stopper
Finds their gap and meets running backs at the point of attack for easy stops.
- Key attributes
- Hit Power, Pursuit, Tackle
MIKE Linebacker
Field General
Excels at reading plays and are always in the best position to secure a tackle.
- Key attributes
- Play Recognition, Pursuit, Tackle
SAM Linebacker
2 archetypes
SAM Linebacker
Pass Coverage
Lurks around the field, disrupting passing lanes and forcing quarterbacks to make difficult throws.
- Key attributes
- Zone Coverage, Man Coverage, Tackle
SAM Linebacker
Run Stopper
Finds their gap and meets running backs at the point of attack for easy stops.
- Key attributes
- Hit Power, Pursuit, Tackle
Cornerback
3 archetypes
Cornerback
Man
Operates alone to take away an offense's best weapons. They're best in man coverage assignments.
- Key attributes
- Man Coverage, Press, Jumping
Cornerback
Zone
Masters of disciplined assignment football as well as reading quarterbacks' eyes to get into position to make a play.
- Key attributes
- Zone Coverage, Press, Play Recognition
Cornerback
Slot
Jack-of-all-trades, responsible for shedding blocks to help in run defense as well as covering some of the offense's best route runners.
- Key attributes
- Man Coverage, Play Recognition, Tackle
Free Safety
3 archetypes
Free Safety
Zone
The backstop of the defense. Takes away big plays downfield and keeps the offense in front of them.
- Key attributes
- Zone Coverage, Play Recognition, Pursuit
Free Safety
Run Support
Plays down in the box to punish even the strongest rushing attacks.
- Key attributes
- Play Recognition, Hit Power, Tackle
Free Safety
Hybrid
Effective in coverage and in blitzing situations. Takes advantage of mistakes when the quarterback makes bad throws under pressure.
- Key attributes
- Man Coverage, Press, Play Recognition
Strong Safety
3 archetypes
Strong Safety
Zone
The backstop of the defense. Takes away big plays downfield and keeps the offense in front of them.
- Key attributes
- Zone Coverage, Play Recognition, Pursuit
Strong Safety
Run Support
Plays down in the box to punish even the strongest rushing attacks.
- Key attributes
- Play Recognition, Hit Power, Tackle
Strong Safety
Hybrid
Effective in coverage and in blitzing situations. Takes advantage of mistakes when the quarterback makes bad throws under pressure.
- Key attributes
- Man Coverage, Press, Play Recognition