Ranking the Most Important Positions in Football (NFL)

Football is a team game and it requires synergy and combination for a team to win a game. There are numerous positions in football but not all positions are of the same significance. Sometimes players can impact the game without touching the ball. Here in this we have ranked the most important positions in football (NFL).

Quarterback (Offense) – The Most Important Position

The highest paid players in the NFL are usually quarterbacks. They are responsible for touching the ball in the attacking phase. They can impact the outcome of the game. Quarterbacks are strong, rapid and flexible.

Left Tackle (Offense)

Left tackle is the first position in the five offensive linemen. They play a significant role in the defensive line. These players are tasked with protecting the quarterback’s blind spots in positions where they usually look far away.

Centre (Offense)

The main task of the centre is to hike the ball to quarterback. Furthermore, the centre reads the defensive tactics of the opposition and calls for a blocking system. Centres are responsible if the blocking system fails.

Middle Linebacker (Defense)

They are regarded as the captains of the defensive line. Middle Linebacker commands defense and their main job is to protect the center of the field from passes, corner quarterbacks, and handle back runs.

Safety (Defense)

The last line of defense is safety. Players playing as a safety need to be fit and must have the ability to knock out passes and go from side to side to pick up the ball.

Defensive End (Defense)

They are responsible for putting the pressure on the opposition’s quarterback and play a crucial role in the team.

Wide Receiver (Offensive)

Wide receivers are rarely used by teams nowadays. However, when used wide receivers should be physical, win jump balls, and regularly hit the ball home.

Tight End (Offensive)

These players are usually smaller than the offensive linemen. Their main job is blocking and receiving passes from quarterbacks.

Cornerback (Defense)

This is one of the prominent positions in the defense line. The NFL is nowadays about passing. Cornerbacks will cut the field in half and create better counter-attack opportunities for the team.

Running Back (Offense)

This position is very rarely used by the teams. Although, a strong team with clever tactics can still turn running backs into an important position with offenses. Excellent running backs will help relieve pressure from quarterbacks and pick up passes from the backyard.

Outside Linebacker (Defense)

It is a position behind the defense line. The job of outside linebackers is to cover tight ends and end or covering the running game.

Right Tackle (Defense)

Right tackle position plays a prominent role in high end running games. They are a lot more prone to fouls than other players on the pitch.

Left Guard (Offense)

Many coaches nowadays choose the best defender to be their left guard. These players need the strength to move defenders off the ball during runs.

Right Guard (Offense)

Right guard is used when the central defender is pushed  to the left to help the left-back and let the right-back one-on-one with the opponent’s defense.

Kicker (Special Team Offense)

Kicker does not participate as much as other positions on the field, so their importance is also inferior. These are not seen much in matches.

Punter (Special Team Kicking Team)

Punter helps the team to be in a better defensive position when it gets 4th down. It must be noted that they are not a key element of the game.

Returner (Special Teams Returns Team)

Wide receivers are often regarded as returners. They are rarely used in matches.

Long Snapper (Offensive Special Teams)

The job of the long snapper is to bring the ball back to the punter. An errant snap can give free points to an opponent.