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American Football

Amercian football positions explained: What are the five main positions in the NFL?

Amercian football positions explained: What are the five main positions in the NFL?DAZN
DAZN explains the five main positions in the NFL.

Compared to some sports, there are a myriad of positions in any NFL team. 

With a roster of 52 players, these are then split into three groups, offense, defense and special teams, and each group has different specialist positions to peform a specific role. 

But what are the five main positions in an NFL team? DAZN explains. 

Quarterback

The quarterback (QB) is by far the most important position on an NFL team as they are required to handle the football and make crucial decisions on every play. 

In order for a player to suceed at QB, they will need a high game IQ, ability to move around the pocket and laser sharp accuracy when throwing the ball to receivers when under pressure from the opposition's defense. 

Left tackle 

Left tackle (LT) is not the most glamorous position, but it serves a vital role in the offense.

The role of the LT is to protect the quarterback's blind side from the defense's best pass rusher who will be looking for a good chance to register a sack. 

Center

Center is the only other player on the offense besides the QB to handle the football on every play. 

The center is responsible for making reads on the defense and calling blocking schemes. A center's vision, football IQ and speed are vital if the offense is to move quickly and get past the defense. 

Middle linebacker

A middle linebacker (MLB) is often referred to as the quarterback of the defense. 

This is because the role of a MLB is to call plays on defense and a player needs to be extermely skilled to play in the middle of the field. 

The ideal makeup of a MLB is that they are strong, but fast enough to keep up with receivers or rush the quarterback when they are in possession of the football. 

Safety

The safety is responsible for carrying out orders in both passing and run defense. 

Safeties are often the last line of defense on long pass plays, but this means any mistakes will be under serious scrutiny with safeties having no backup behind them. 

In any NFL team, there a two types of safety, a free safety and a strong safety.