In American football there are a variety of different defensive positions, each having their own unique role and responsibilities on the football field. One of the most important positions on any defense is the defensive line. These players are tasked with shutting down the run and putting pressure on the offense during passing plays.
There are two main defensive line positions in football, defensive tackles (DT) and defensive ends (DE). Defensive tackles are also referred to as nose tackles or left & right tackles depending on where they line up on the defensive line.
In this article, we break down everything you need to know about the defensive linemen positions including the different positions, alignment, skill-sets, roles, responsibilities, and much more.
Let’s dive in.
What is a Defensive Linemen?
A defensive linemen in football is a member of the defense that is the first line of defense. They lineup right in front of the offensive linemen and are responsible for stopping the run, filling gaps and rushing the quarterback.
Within the defensive line there are two main positions. The defensive tackle (DT) and the defensive end (DE). The defensive tackles lineup in the middle of the line, while the defensive ends are on each end.
Defensive Line Positions
The defensive line is a key part to every football team. These interior defenders play a vital role in stopping the run between the tackles and putting consistent pressure on the quarterback. Without an effective defensive line, the offense can run the ball easily, have all day to throw, will eat up clock and can score at will.
As mentioned previously there are two main defensive line positions, defensive tackles and defensive ends. Although they line up next to each other and are similar there are some unique traits, responsibilities and roles each play which may vary depending on the defensive scheme or play call.
Defensive Tackle (DT)
Nose Tackle
Nose tackles are defensive players that are a part of the defensive line. Nose tackles are primarily used in 3-4 defensive schemes. The main responsibility of a nose tackle is to stop the run. They are usually the biggest linemen and the field and are in charge of clogging up the middle and closing running lanes. They are most often used on first and second down and are useful on short yardage situations where the offense is most likely going to run.
Here is a look at some of the skills and body type needed to play nose tackle on the defensive line.
Skills
- Big Body
- Physical
- Excellent at clogging running lanes
- Consistent Technique
- Great Awareness
- Great Hands
Typical Build (NFL)
- Height: 6’-6’3
- Weight: 300-350 pounds
- Build: Big, Excellent Strength, Athletic, Tough
Left & Right Tackles
Some defensive schemes will include two defensive tackles, one that lines up on the right side (right defensive tackle) and one that lines up on the left side (left defensive tackles). Defensive tackles have two main responsibilities stopping the run and providing pressure on the quarterback during passing plays.
On running plays, the defensive tackles have a similar role to a nose tackle in that they try to penetrate the line, clog up running lanes and tackle the running back. However, on passing plays they typically are tasked with putting pressure on the quarterback. Defensive tackles are typically faster, a bit smaller and are more athletic than the nose tackles.
Here is a look at some of the skills and body type needed to play defensive tackle.
Skills
- Big Body
- Physical
- Excellent at clogging running lanes
- Consistent Technique
- Great Awareness
- Great Hands
Typical Build (NFL)
- Height: 6’-6’3
- Weight: 300-350 pounds
- Build: Big, Excellent Strength, Athletic, Tough
Defensive End (DE)
DE’s are typically faster and more athletic than defensive tackles. They typically lineup inside or outside of the offensive tackles. They play a large role in both stopping the run and rushing the passer. A good defensive end will wreak havoc on opposing offenses by blowing up running plays and sacking the quarterback. In today’s modern football DE’s need to be super athletic, an elite pass rusher and excellent at stopping the run and providing contain.
Here is a look at some of the skills and body type needed to play defensive end.
Skills
- Excellent Recognition
- Tremendous Speed & Quickness
- Consistent Technique
- Great Awareness
- Excellent Pass Rushing Moves
Typical Build (NFL)
- Height: 6’3-6’7
- Weight: 270-290 pounds
- Build: Tall, Lengthy, Big, Very Athletic
Where Do Defensive Linemen Stand?
In American football, defensive linemen (d-line) aren’t required to line-up or stand in a certain position as long as it’s on the defensive slide of the line of scrimmage. In most defenses the defensive tackles will line up opposite of the guards of the offensive line. While the defensive ends will stand opposite of the offensive tackles on the outside of the line. However, the alignment and position of the defensive line may vary depending upon the defensive scheme or game situation.
If you would like to learn more about defensive alignments check out this article.
Different Defensive Scheme Fronts
The number of defensive tackles on the field may vary depending on what defensive scheme a team runs and what play is being called. The two most common defensive schemes are a 4-3 and a 3-4. The first number indicates how many defensive linemen there are on the field. The second number represents how many linebackers there are in that scheme.
Let’s talk about these two popular defensive schemes and explain how they impact the defense of line positions.
Defensive Linemen In 4-3 Front
A 4-3 defense is a defensive alignment that consists of four down linemen and three linebackers. The four down linemen consist of two defensive ends and two defensive tackles. The defensive tackles are typically bigger and are responsible for stopping the run and putting pressure on the quarterback. The defensive ends are generally faster as and are responsible for containment and rushing the passer.
Defensive Linemen In 3-4 Front
In a 3-4 defensive alignment there are three defensive linemen and four linebackers. The three linemen are typically a nose tackle who lines up right behind the center and two defensive ends. The nose tackle .
The 4-3 and 3-4 defensive schemes are the two most common alignments and are used primarily on 1st and 2nd downs. However, defenses will also switch to other alignments such a dime or nickel defense when they are faced with different situations like 3rd and long or during the 2 minute drill.
Defensive Football Positions
- Defensive Line (DT)
- Nose Tackle (NT)
- Defensive Tackle (DT)
- Defensive Ends (DE)
- Linebackers (LB)
- Middle Linebacker (MLB)
- Outside Linebacker (OLB)
- Cornerbacks (CB)
- Safeties (S)
- Strong Safety (SS)
- Free Safety (FS)
Final Thoughts
Having a good defensive line is critical to any team. Without one, the offense will be able to run all over and will have all day to throw. Resulting in them being able to score at will and dominate time of possession.
American football games are won in the trenches and there is nothing more important than having good linemen that can stop the run and pressure the quarterback. I hope this article has helped you learn more about what defensive linemen do, what their roles are and how important they are to any football team.