The 11 defensive positions in football are made up of three distinctive groups: the defensive line, linebackers, and defensive backs (also called the secondary). Each team uses a different number of players in each position group based on the formation they are running.

What are the 11 Defensive Football Positions? The 11 positions on defense are the following: Nose guard, defensive tackle, defensive end (2), inside linebacker (2), outside linebacker (2), cornerback (2), and safety.

The Defensive Tackle (DT) is the defense’s anchor, overpowering in stopping the run and collapsing the pocket. The Linebacker (LB) is the team’s tactical enforcer, strategic in run defense and key in pass coverage. The Cornerback (CB) is the defensive back’s agile defender, shadowing receivers and combating aerial attacks.