One of the great things about football is that it takes players or all sizes, abilities and speeds to comprise a complete football team.
Every team needs the big players to block and protect the quarterback and on the defensive side you need the big players to shut down the run and get to the quarterback.
Every team needs fast, agile wide receivers, running backs and defensive backs to make athletic plays.
If a team is weak in any one area, their entire season might be slowed down due to other teams taking advantage of those weak areas.
Which leads us to the question of the day!
What Are The Most Important Positions in Football?
On the offensive side of the ball the quarterback, the left tackle and a dominant running back are vital to the overall success of a team. On the defensive side of the ball, the defensive end, a strong linebacker and a shutdown cornerback are vital.
Below, we will break down why we picked these three positions on each side of the ball.
Offense – 3 Most Important Positions
#1 Quarterback
The quarterback by far is the most important position on the football field. Without a quality quarterback a team with a bunch of talent can get mediocre results if the quarterback play is subpar. The quarterback is in charge and handles the ball on every offensive play. They ensure the offense is lined up right, is in the right play and then has to make a quality decision and execute once the ball is snapped.
There are many multi dimensional quarterbacks that put a defense at risk because they can throw accurately and quickly and still make plays with their legs. Experience plays a big part in the success of the quarterback as does the ability to make decisions and then execute.
The quarterback is the leader of the team and must remain poised and show toughness in the most difficult situations. Many games come down to a final possession and quarterbacks are often judged by their ability to execute and lead the team to the winning score.
How to play the quarterback position
#2 Left Tackle
The left tackle protects the blind side of a quarterback. If a team is a heavy dominant passing team, protecting the quarterback and giving him time is important to the offensive success. If you look at the NFL the highest paid players are often the quarterback and the left tackle.
They demand big money because there aren’t that many great ones out there. They separate themselves from the pack through knowledge, skill, physical talent and experience.
The left tackle must be multi dimensional and be able to run block as well. The best left tackles can protect the quarterback and execute the run blocking scheme.
#3 Running Back
While there might be a lot of talented running backs out there, this doesn’t take away from the importance of a solid running game. As the weather gets worse during the course of the traditional football season, teams must be able to get yards on the ground and control the line of scrimmage.
The running backs are usually fast, have great balance and can give and take a hit at the line scrimmage. There have been many great running backs of the years that are game changers and can find the end zone once their team reaches the red zone.
Defense – 3 Most Important Positions
#1 Left End/Outside Linebacker
This positions can control both the running game and get pressure on the quarterback. A great defensive end or outside linebacker is something the quarterback is always aware of. When the quarterback first gets to the line of scrimmage, they are often looking for this player.
Why? Because they can often get to the quarterback and make a game changing play with a sack or forced fumble.
This position is usually a large individual with great strength and speed off the ball. They are a game changer and are often drafted early in every NFL draft, which shows their overall importance to the team and especially the defensive side of the ball.
#2 Middle Linebacker
The run game must be stopped. At the youth and high school levels, the middle linebacker is vital to the success a team has stopping the run. Without a run stopper up the middle, teams typically take advantage of a team.
The linebacker position has evolved over the years and now must spend more time helping out in pass coverage, which has required a shift in the athletic ability of the linebacker from a big bulky strong player to a more agile, fast, but still strong. Slightly bigger than a safety and not quite as fast.
#3: Cornerback
Watch any NFL draft and you will see the shutdown cornerback draft in the top 10 every year. They receive big money in free agency because they typically draw the responsibility of the best wide receiver on the opposing team. With the amount of great wide receivers, a team can never have enough quality cornerbacks to help shut down the pass in the game.
With a weak defensive backfield, the best quarterbacks will pick the defense apart as they march down the field. The cornerback is important and must be ready for the ever evolving game.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of the most important positions in football, individual players need to pick a position that best suits their ability and what their team needs are. Team can also use strength, speed and smart players. If you have these attributes the coach will find a place on the field for you.
Football players need to train just about year round and work to grow their knowledge of the game through film study and continue to get bigger, stronger and faster during the offseason.
