The casual football fan hears “defensive end” and thinks Reggie White, Bruce Smith, J.J. Watt. Physically imposing, dominant pass rushers who are also pretty good against the run. If you have a couple kids like this -- who are not positionally-restricted by your league’s weight rules -- then by all means consider playing them at defensive end. In all likelihood, your defensive ends will bear more resemblance physically to outside linebackers in a commonly-seen 3-4 defenses: medium-sized players who are among your best athletes.
Your defensive ends need to be quick off the ball, flexible enough to change directions laterally, strong enough to take on blockers at the point of attack, and disciplined enough to stay at home. All these traits matter, but the last is perhaps the most important. If you have an aggressive, undisciplined end who crashes down the line in pursuit of tackles for loss, he might create several negative plays but follow that by running himself out of position and giving up a massive running lane on a counter or reverse. While you may put two of your best athletes at defensive end, they may not end up making many tackles. You -- and the kids playing this crucial spot -- need to have enough trust in their nine teammates to get the job done that you are willing to make this important sacrifice.
Subscribe to my YouTube channel
Follow me on Twitter
