FanPost

NFL Draft Glossary - 165 Terms

For those of you who have no idea what Mike Mayock is talking about when he says a DT can "play the piano" or when Mel Kiper Jr says a WR "climbs the tree," here is a list of 165 NFL Draft definitions put together by Bill Barnwell and Mike Tanier for espn.com.  It's a great read.  Print this one out and bring it to the bathroom with you after a few cups of coffee.  It's gonna take you a while... ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 3-TECH TACKLE

A DT best suited to line up between the offensive guard and tackle, putting him in position to quickly slice through the blockers and disrupt plays in the backfield. A 3-tech tackle is usually smaller and quicker than a nose or 1-tech tackle.

Bucs legend Warren Sapp was the prototypical 3-technique DT in Tampa that every 4-3 defense needs to succeed.


40 TIME

The Combine's most prominent drill and simplest measure of speed; each player runs 40 yards in a straight line as fast as he can. Was originally chosen as the distance because it was thought most special teams players ran about 40 yards on kickoffs and punt plays.

Titans RB Chris Johnson's 4.24 40-yard dash at the 2008 Combine propelled him into the first round.


ACCELERATION

Rate at which a player can reach his top speed.

While returning punts, Chicago's Devin Hester can reach his top speed in a matter of steps.


ACTIVE HANDS

For a DL, the ability to gain leverage with hand movement and strikes. For a DB, the ability to jam receivers at the line with proper hand technique and swat or tip balls in the air away.

Eagles corner Asante Samuel led the league with 21 passes defensed in 2008.


ANCHOR

To hold ground and become the point of attack on the offensive or defensive line.

The Cowboys achieve their best success running behind their mountain of a right guard, Leonard Davis.


ARM TACKLER

Defender who fails to use his shoulders, torso and thighs to generate power when tackling.

The Steelers ran screens and quick hitches at Cardinals rookie Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie during the Super Bowl after watching him struggle on film.

BACKED OFF

Describes a CB playing 3-5 yards off his receiver in man coverage. As a result, he can't jam.

Corners like St. Louis' Fakhir Brown, who lack elite speed, play off of wide receivers out of fear as much as respect.


BALL SKILLS

Defender's ability to catch the ball, secure it and generate long returns on interceptions.

Steelers S Troy Polamalu makes these difficult, fingertip catches seem routine.


BALL-LOCATION SKILLS

Defender's ability to determine where the ball is after defeating his blocker.

Giants LB Antonio Pierce is one of the league's best at sniffing out and attacking screens.


BANDIT

Depending on the defensive scheme, either a pass-rushing OLB-DE or a safety who often plays in the box like a linebacker.

Jets S Kerry Rhodes will play as the "Bandit" in Rex Ryan's aggressive 3-4 scheme come the 2009 season.


BASE

Lineman's combination of size, balance and lower-body strength. Ideal linemen have a wide base: thick legs and thighs, low center of gravity and a proper blocking stance.

The Dolphins Pro Bowl T, Jake Long, has the ideal frame and excellent technique, making him difficult to bull rush.


BEATS THE JAM

When a WR breaks press coverage and gets into his route with minimal disruption of timing.

Plaxico Burress' huge wingspan and active hands prevent defensive backs from effectively jamming him.


BIRD-DOG

For a QB: To stare down the intended receiver, tipping off the defense.

Most young quarterbacks, like the Ravens' Joe Flacco, stare down receivers, only to grow out of the habit as they mature.


BLIND SIDE

The side of the offensive line that the quarterback cannot see when passing; the left side for a right-handed quarterback.

Dolphins LB Joey Porter moved back to the weak side (most quarterbacks' blind side) this year and re-emerged as an elite pass rusher.


BLOCKY

Describes a bulky, less-athletic body type, which pegs an offensive lineman as an interior lineman at the NFL level, as opposed to a tackle.

6'0", 350-pound Eagles G Nick Cole has the highest BMI in league history at 47.5.


BODY CATCHER

Receiver who cradles the ball with his body or traps the ball against his torso. A bad habit.

Many of Browns wideout Braylon Edwards' seemingly inexplicable drops come from poor cradling technique in a 6'3" frame. (VIDEO)


BODY CONTROL

A player's overall agility and coordination.

Patriots fans will remember Jags RB Maurice Jones-Drew's ability to turn a seemingly-finished play into a long touchdown in 2006. (VIDEO)


BREAK DOWN

To get into proper body position to make a tackle.

Steelers MLB James Farrior demonstrates great technique in squaring up and attacking on every tackle.


BREAK, PLANT, DRIVE

For DBs: To identify a route, take the first step to defend that route, then run towards the receiver or the ball to break it up.

Skins corner Shawn Springs doesn't have the athleticism he once did, but he's seen a million routes and knows how to stop them.


BREAKAWAY SPEED

Ability to separate from and outrun defenders.

If Chargers RB Darren Sproles gets deep into the secondary, chances are he's going for six.


BREAKS TO THE BALL

When a player gets a jump on defending a play before the ball is thrown by IDing the route combination or spying the QB's head and arm motion.

Criminally underrated Bills S Donte Whitner uses his instincts to complement his speed.


BRINGS HIS FEET ALONG

When a player keeps his feet underneath him while blocking and doesn't trip easily.

Skins T Chris Samuels makes sure QB Jason Campbell stays upright by doing the same.


BUBBLE BUTT

Thick, heavy backside and thighs; a sign the player has a low center of gravity. A good thing.

He struggles to be consistent, but Jets DT Kris Jenkins will always have his bubble butt.


BULL RUSH

A pass rush move in which the defender gets leverage on his blocker and tries to drive him straight back into the quarterback.

Giants LT David Diehl has surprising athleticism for an ex-guard, but struggles with bull rushes and regularly gets pushed back into Eli Manning.


BURST

Ability to make an impact with first and second steps off the line of scrimmage.

Watch Giants DE Justin Tuck on film and you'll notice that his burst gets him past blockers before they've even come out of their stance.

CARRIES HIS PADS

Describes a player who's just as fast with pads on as with pads off.

Colts WR Reggie Wayne ran an average 4.45 40-yard dash at the 2001 Combine, but doesn't lose a single step on Sunday.


CATCH RADIUS

The area around a WR in which he can realistically catch the ball. A receiver who can make leaping catches, dives for balls and can react to passes thrown behind him has a much greater catch radius than a receiver who needs the ball on his hands or body.

6'6" WR Matt Jones has largest radius in the league thanks to his crazy wingspan.


CAUGHT PEEKING

What a DB is said to be when he loses track of his assignment because he is watching QB or ball on a playfake.

Former Seahawks S Michael Boulware didn't have the instincts to keep his starting job.


CENTER FIELDER

Safety who excels at defending passes over the middle, covering receivers on deep routes and picking off poorly-thrown passes.

Ravens S Ed Reed uses an incredible football IQ and sheer bravery to pick apart plays on the fly.


CHOPS FEET

When a receiver gives away that he's about to make a cut by changing his stride.

Despite incredible athleticism, Reggie Brown's failed to emerge as an elite receiver because of his inability to work underneath. (Also See: ROUNDS OFF ROUTES )


CIRCUS ELEPHANT

Huge lineman with quick feet and good footwork.

The NFL's best tackle, Carolina's Jordan Gross, has fantastic footwork.


CLIMBS THE TREE

When a receiver expertly uses timing and leaping ability to jump for a pass.

Chargers WR Chris Chambers' freakish vertical is supplemented by great instincts on when and how to use it.


CLOSING BURST

Defender's ability to accelerate when he's within striking distance of a ball carrier.

It's easier to hear Bears LB Brian Urlacher hit the ballcarrier than it is to see him.


COACH UP

To turn a marginal prospect into a solid player by instilling sound technique and fostering a competitive attitude.

Seventh-round pick Marques Colston was motivated and put in a situation where he could succeed by Saints coach Sean Payton.


COMBO BLOCK

A double-team block in which two blockers engage one defender. Often, one of the blockers peels off to attack another defender, as in a zone-stretch run.

Chargers DT Jamal Williams has been drawing combo blocks for a decade.


CONTACT BALANCE

Player's ability to maintain his balance even after being engaged by an opponent.

Constant double-teams don't prevent Steelers DT Casey Hampton from staying upright and occupying blockers that would otherwise flow to his linebackers.


COUNTER MOVE

A pass-rush move designed to defeat a blocker who has mastered the defender's preferred move. Typically, the primary move works outside the blocker, while the counter move starts outside but turns inside.

Without elite athleticism, star Packers DE Aaron Kampman relies on his motor and a bevy of pass-rush moves.


COVER 2 DEFENDER

A defender well-suited to the zone defense-oriented systems favored by the Tony Dungy family of coaches. Cover 2 defenders include: Small, fast linebackers who excel in zone coverage, big cornerbacks who can jam receivers and defend the run, and safeties who can cover a lot of ground when defending the deep part of the field.

Bucs LB Cato June has spent his entire career playing in the Cover 2 defenses of Indianapolis and Tampa Bay.


CROSSES FEET

A major mistake for offensive linemen. A blocker with his feet crossed has almost no leverage and can easily be pushed around by a defender.

T Alex Barron is an excellent athlete but has learned virtually nothing in the way of technique or discipline since joining the Rams.


CUT BLOCK

A block thrown below the knees of a defensive player; a legal block often confused with the illegal chop block, which is a cut block thrown when a defender is already engaged by another lineman. Famously used by the Broncos' Super Bowl teams under offensive line coach Alex Gibbs.

Former Broncos C Tom Nalen's cut block on Igor Olshansky after a play was whistled dead in 2007 led to a fistfight.

DIAGNOSE

To quickly determine the offensive play.

Although he doesn't get a lot of recognition, LB Kirk Morrison's intelligence puts the Raiders defense in place to make the right plays.


DOUBLE CATCHES/CLUTCHES

When a receiver bobbles or juggles the ball before bringing it into his body.

Chargers WR Vincent Jackson thinks he can reach out and catch anything, but there are times when he'd be better off just letting the ball come to him.


DOWNHILL RUNNER

Running back who always has forward momentum and can be counted on for extra yards after contact.

Enormous Giants HB Brandon Jacobs excels at picking up the little yards with his bulk.


DRAG-DOWN TACKLER

Defender who doesn't square himself and explode when tackling.

Ex-Cowboys S Roy Williams, a man synonymous with the horse-collar, simply doesn't tackle by the book often enough.


DRIVE BLOCK

Straight-ahead block designed to push the defender backward, usually on a running play.

New Rams C Jason Brown is great at pushing even the biggest defensive tackles off the ball.


DROP LINEBACKER

An LB who is skilled at pass coverage.

By far the best cover linebacker in the league, Chicago's Lance Briggs single-handedly shuts down opposing tight ends.


EDGE RUSHER

OLB or DE whose primary function is to rush the quarterback from the outside.

Most tackles' best hope against Chargers LB Shawne Merriman is that he runs past the quarterback and doesn't catch up in time.


ELUSIVE IN SPACE

Ability to make defenders miss in the open field with cuts and jukes.

It wasn't all that long ago that Titans QB Vince Young was running through holes that didn't seem to exist for anyone else.


ENGULF

To block using the entire body, pushing the defender back and preventing him from disengaging.

Mammoth Ravens T Jared Gaither seemingly swallows defensive ends alive.

FALLS OFF BLOCKS

Describes a defender who can slip out of blocks to make tackles as ballcarrier approaches.

Sneaky Steelers DE Aaron Smith is capable of getting off blocks just enough to slow down and even stop ballcarriers.


FALSE STEPS

Footwork errors by linemen, usually extra steps that they should not take when pass blocking or pulling. False steps negate the lineman's quickness and can put him in bad position when blocking.

Cowboys T Flozell Adams leads the league in false starts on a yearly basis. Those false steps continue after the snap.


FILL

To occupy and control area of field for which a player is responsible.

Raiders CB Nnamdi Asomugha -- the league's best player, bar none -- simply shuts down his side of the field.


FIND SOFT SPOTS IN ZONES

Describes a receiver (often a tight end) who recognizes zone coverage and knows when and where gaps in the coverage will occur.

Giants WR Steve Smith excels at working out of the slot and exploiting little crevices in the coverage for first downs.


FINISHER

Blocker who maintains contact and intensity to the whistle.

Legendary Seahawks T Walter Jones simply punishes opponents till the whistle.


FIRST-STEP QUICKNESS

Speed with which a defensive lineman leaves his stance and attacks the offense.

If a blocker guesses wrong with their first step, Carolina DE Julius Peppers is simply unblockable.


FITS BALL INTO TIGHT WINDOW

Describes a quarterback who can squeeze a pass in between multiple defenders to a barely-open receiver. He will anticipate that the window will come open before it does and possesses the arm strength to push the pass through.

The owner of the league's strongest arm, Oakland's JaMarcus Russell, doesn't just fit the ball into tight windows -- he goes through them.


FLATTENS OUT

When a pass-rusher suddenly turns inside and attacks the QB after using his initial steps to beat his blocker to the outside edge.

Bucs DE Gaines Adams began adding this sort of fake to his repetoire in 2008.


FLEXED OUT

Describes a TE lined up 2-3 yards wide of the tackle, putting him in better position to run routes.

Tony Gonzalez lined up both flexed out and even split out as a wide receiver in the Chiefs' Pistol formation this past year.


FLUID HIPS

Great agility in lower body. A cornerback with fluid hips can easily twist and turn to stay with a receiver without losing speed.

The 49ers gave Nate Clements a huge deal because of his ability to instantly go from backpedal to sprint. (Also See: OPENS HIPS, TRANSITION)


FOOTBALL IQ

Player's understanding of the game and/or his ability to make optimal decisions on the fly.

Peyton Manning's ability to audible and adjust routes, even in mid-play, is the stuff of legend.


FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH

Combination of strength, balance and leverage needed to block, shed blocks and make or break tackles (as opposed to weight-room strength).

He's never the biggest guy in the weight room, but Vikings DE Jared Allen's MMA training has led him to use his weight effectively in all situations. (VIDEO)


GAMBLE AND GUESS

For DBs: To predict the pass route and jump in front of the receiver for an easy pick.

Seahawks corner Marcus Trufant attempts to lure quarterbacks into making throws he knows they won't get away with.


GEARS DOWN

When a receiver runs routes at less-than-full speed to allow holes in zones to open up.

Seattle's T.J. Houshmandzadeh lures defenders into a false sense of security before hitting their weakest point.


GUARDS GRASS

When a defender who doesn't understand his role in zone coverage ends up covering a plot of field instead of the receivers who are entering or leaving it.

Vikings CB Karl Paymah is a good athlete, but has yet to grasp the nuances of zone coverage.


GUNNER

The player lined up on the outside of the kick or punt coverage units who must fight through double teams to make the tackle. Often used as a generic term for a player who will excel as a special teams defender.

Little-known Bills receiver Justin Jenkins is gunner on the best special teams coverage unit in football.

HAND FIGHTING

Offensive lineman's use of hands to block and neutralize his assigned defender(s).

Only 315 pounds, San Fran's Joe Staley is relatively light for a tackle, but uses his hands well to move defenders away.


HAND-PATS THE BALL

When a QB double-clutches or taps the ball before a throw, slowing delivery and allowing the D reaction time.

Cowboys star Tony Romo is guilty of double-clutching on the occasional slant, almost invariably leading to an interception.


HANGS IN PLANT

When a defensive back is slow to plant his feet and drive to the ball.

Journeyman corner Drayton Florence has the occasional deer-in-headlights moment.


HEAVY HANDS/LIGHT HANDS

An offensive lineman with heavy hands is able to knock a defender backwards or stand him up with his hand strikes; one with light hands cannot.

It helps being 6'6", but Browns G Eric Steinbach controls defensive tackles who outweigh him by 40 pounds with great hand work.


HIGH CUT

Player with longer legs and a shorter upper body; can be a positive for speed, but limits agility and flexibility.

Former linebacker, and current Packers S, Aaron Rouse struggles to convert his speed to useful football quickness.


HIGH-POINTS THE BALL

When a receiver catches the ball at its highest possible point.

Pats receiver Randy Moss knows that if he touches the ball at its highest point, no one else can.


HIP SNAP

Ability to get off the line of scrimmage on the snap.

Browns LT Joe Thomas is the first person off the snap on every play and can be on his second assignment by the time RB Jamal Lewis gets the ball.


HITTER NOT A TACKLER

Defender who hits hard but without proper technique.

A big-play S in Green Bay, Atari Bigby has a whiff for every huge hit he lays down.


HOOK BLOCK

Technique used against a defender playing off the blocker's shoulder. The blocker steps forward and turns into the defender, hooking him and walling him off rather than driving him backward. Often employed by TEs against LBs.

Redskins TE Chris Cooley likes to sneak up off the line and seal off the edge for RB Clinton Portis. (Also See: WALL-OFF BLOCKER)


HYBRID

A player with the skills of a big outside linebacker or a small defensive end; a pass rusher who can play a role in either a 3-4 or a 4-3.

Devastating Ravens LB Terrell Suggs could move to end for most 4-3 teams.


INITIAL PUNCH

First blow delivered by offensive lineman while blocking.

The first blow from Pats G Logan Mankins is enough to make most DEs regret stepping onto the field.


JAM PRESS

The act of engaging a receiver on the line of scrimmage and slowing or disrupting his route, a.k.a. press or bump-and-run coverage.

We'll say this much: Chargers corner Quentin Jammer was aptly named.


JUKE

A quick cut to elude or fake out a defender.

There isn't a defender in football Vikings RB Adrian Peterson can't make it past.


KEEPS LEGS CLEAN

Describes a defender who knows how to protect himself from cut blocks.

No one's perfect, but you don't play 236 games on the defensive line like Cleveland's Ted Washington, if you can't avoid cut blocks.


KNEE BENDER

Blocker who uses proper technique to gain leverage, bending his knees to get low while keeping his waist straight and shoulders above his center of gravity.

Undersized Colts C Jeff Saturday relies on technique as well as intelligence to protect QB Peyton Manning.

LATERAL MOBILITY

Ability to move from side-to-side; absolutely essential for linebackers.

Niners LB Patrick Willis makes safeties look slow while defining the new "sideline-to-sideline" linebacker.


LEVERAGE

Ability to get lower than an opponent, maintain balance and maximize strength while turning the opponent's size into a liability. Critical to line play.

Brutal Bears DT Tommie Harris is capable of pushing whoever's blocking him 10 yards backwards in seconds.


LONG SPEED

Extra gear of a player who's already run 20-40 yards.

Vikings wideout Bernard Berrian led the league in pass interference yardage accrued in 2008 by beating defenders who thought they had him.


LONG STRIDER

Running back or receiver whose gait is marked by long, looping strides, like those of a track runner. Such players are sometimes deceptively fast but also have a hard time cutting or running tight routes.

Former Wisconsin track star Michael Bennett isn't able to apply his speed effectively to football.


LOOKS LIKE TARZAN, PLAYS LIKE JANE

A prospect who looks like a prototype athlete but lacks the aggressiveness to succeed in the NFL.

49ers TE Vernon Davis is chiseled from granite but has struggled to make an impact outside of blocking.


LUNGES

When a blocker loses balance by throwing his body at a defender, or when a defender leaves his feet while trying to make a tackle.

Ex-Jaguars LT Khalif Barnes is easily brought out of his base, especially when trying to block downfield. (Also See: OVEREXTENDS)


MAKE UP SPEED

Defensive back's ability to reach full speed when turning and pursuing a receiver who's past him, a.k.a. recovery speed.

Well-traveled corner DeAngelo Hall has both the mediocre instincts to let a receiver past him and the elite speed to save his blushes.


MAULER

Highly aggressive and powerful offensive lineman who dishes out punishment while blocking.

Eagles T Jon Runyan is one of the cruelest players in football on the field.


MIRROR AND SLIDE

Describes a lineman's ability to read the defender's pass-rush moves and execute proper counter-strategies. The "slide" refers to a tackle's ability to step smoothly back into proper position to set a pocket for the QB.

Experienced Packers T Chad Clifton has seen it all and knows what to do on every play.


MOTOR

Player's intensity and drive.

Titans' DE Kyle Vanden Bosch never gives up on plays, often picking up sacks on sheer will.


MOVE TIGHT END

Small tight end who's most effective when going in motion and blocking defenders on the perimeter. Similar to an H-back.

Arguably the Raiders' best offensive threat, Zach Miller is becoming an effective blocker on the edge.


MUDDER

Player who can perform well on a bad field or in poor weather.

Backup Bills' RB Fred Jackson had 136 yards in Week 17 snowstorm game against Pats.


NARROW BASE

Describes a player with lean hips and thin thighs and legs for his position -- making it hard for him to generate leverage.

Promising Lions' DE Clifford Avril struggles at point of attack, so goes around defenders instead.


NORTH-SOUTH RUNNER

Running back who makes minimal cuts or moves parallel to line of scrimmage.

Ravens FB Le'Ron McClain dominated in short yardage last year by simply locating his gap and running through it as hard as he could.

ON AN ISLAND

Describes a CB with no safety help; a defender locked in man coverage with no additional support.

The Jets often left Darrelle Revis in one-on-one coverage against opposing receivers last year.


ON THE GROUND

Describes an offensive lineman who can't stay on his feet.

Seahawks T Ray Willis falls down after engaging blockers far too frequently.


ONE-CUT RUNNER

Running back who waits for a hole, cuts into it, then runs full speed downfield with a minimum of other cuts or moves.

At only 5'9", Bucs RB Earnest Graham has to use intelligence and patience to get through the line and to the next level. (Also See: ZONE-STRETCH RUNNER)


ONE-GAP DT

A DT best suited to a system that allows him to attack one spot on the offensive line instead of two. Most 4-3 teams in the NFL use one-gap prinicples.

With Mario Williams alongside him, Houston's Amobi Okoye only needs to worry about one gap.


OPENS HIPS

When a defensive back transitions out of a backpedal and into a sprint in coverage.

The 49ers gave Nate Clements a huge deal because of his ability to instantly go from backpedal to sprint. (Also See: FLUID HIPS, TRANSITION)


OVEREXTENDS

When an O-lineman comes out of his base and lunges for a defensive lineman. A technical flaw.

Ex-Jaguars left tackle Khalif Barnes is easily out of his base, especially when trying to block downfield. (Also See: LUNGES)


OVER-THE-TOP DELIVERY

A QB throwing motion that resembles a baseball pitcher's windup. Such a delivery is slower and less accurate than a standard delivery.

The good news for Houston's Matt Schaub is that it's hard to knock down his passes.

PAD LEVEL

Height of shoulder pads off the ground while engaged during a play; in general, the lower the better (to maximize balance and leverage).

Bengals T Levi Jones doesn't consistently sustain his pad level, resulting in inconsistent performance.


PANCAKE BLOCK

A block that knocks the defender off his feet.

Orlando Pace, now with Chicago, became known for his pancake blocks at Ohio State, which helped him become a first overall pick.


PATIENCE

A RB's ability to wait for a blocking scheme to unfold before attemping to turn a play downfield. A runner with little patience outruns his blockers and runs into defenders before the blockers do.

Ex-Giant Derrick Ward excelled at waiting for his pulling linemen to create space on the edges for him to burst through. (Also See: RUN VISION) (VIDEO)


PHONE BOOTH

Region extending a yard or two in all directions around an offensive or defensive lineman; the small area on the field on which most of their action takes place.

Vikings DT Kevin Williams dominates the area around him, regularly pushing offensive linemen backwards into the ballcarrier.


PINS

Legs.

Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson generates absurd power and speed with a pair of the biggest pins in the game.


PLAYS OVER HIS PADS

Describes a player who shows good balance by not leaning or lunging too far forward.

All-Pro Minnesota G Steve Hutchinson does everything right technically regardless of what he's being asked to do.


PLAYS THE PIANO

Describes a lineman who does most of his work in the trenches as opposed to up and down the field.

Former Bills lineman Derrick Dockery doesn't do much at the second level, but does a very good job of handling the player in front of him.


PLUCKS THE BALL

Describes a player who grabs a pass strongly with his hands, away from his body.

The Lions' only star, wideout Calvin Johnson, grabs passes seemingly out of thin air. (VIDEO)


POCKET PRESENCE

A QB's understanding of what his blockers are doing and how the defense is rushing him, plus the innate sense of when the rush is closing in.

Freakish injury aside, Pats QB Tom Brady seems to have a preternatural ability to sense the pass rush.


POINT OF ATTACK

Spot of the field to which a run play is directed.

Pro Bowl RG Chris Snee is the centerpiece of many Giants attacks, whether squared up or pulling to either side.


PRECISION PASSER

A QB with excellent accuracy.

Saints QB Drew Brees threads the needle on a regular basis. (VIDEO)


PRESSES BLOCKERS

Describes a defender who routinely gets his hands inside his blocker's hands, his center of gravity below the blocker's, and initiates body-to-body contact.

Chargers DT Luis Castillo uses his 290-pound frame and superb technique to drive blockers wherever he wants -- usually away.


PURSUIT ANGLE

The path a defender takes to the ball. Good defenders pick a spot on the field where they can realistically make a tackle, then run to it, as opposed to chasing the ballcarrier wildly.

The Eagles will miss S Brian Dawkins reliability in the secondary; he may have lost a step, but few ballcarriers got behind him.


PUSHES THE PILE

When a running back generates extra yards by shoving through a mass of blockers and defenders at the line of scrimmage.

Cowboys RB Marion Barber hits the hole as hard as he can every time, which leads to extra yards (if extra injuries).


QUICK HITTER

Short pass thrown almost immediately after the snap, like a quick hitch.

Panthers love throwing the diminutive Steve Smith passes in the flat, giving him the opportunity to make cornerbacks miss.


QUICK OUT OF BREAKS

Receiver's ability to accelerate out of the cut in his route and make himself available to receive a pass.

In his prime, Marvin Harrison was the king of disguising his routes and making cuts before the cornerback could even react.


QUICK-TWITCH ATHLETE

Player with superb reaction time.

Dynamite bursts off the line leave blockers accusing Philly's Trent Cole of neutral-zone infractions. He's not guilty. (Also See: SUDDENNESS OFF THE EDGE)

RAG DOLL

Blocker who has been tossed aside by a defender.

A propensity to get off-balance often makes Bears T Kevin Shaffer a non-factor.


RANGE

The amount of ground a defender can cover. Top linebackers and safeties have "sideline-to-sideline" range. Range is a mixture of speed, proper angles and the ability to quickly diagnose plays.

Panthers MLB Jon Beason covers Gatorade-cooler-to-Gatorade-cooler.


REACTS TO BAD BALLS

Describes a receiver with a knack for spotting poorly thrown passes and making quick adjustments by slowing, turning his body, adjusting his route, etc.

Perhaps Bengals WR Chad Johnson's best asset is his ability to catch passes thrown virtually anywhere in his direction.


READ AND REACT

For defenders: To determine the play then attack, as opposed to attacking at the snap.

Lofa Tatupu is such a read-and-react linebacker in Seattle that he hates being given signals through the radio in his helmet, preferring to dissect offenses on his own.


RELEASES OFF LINE

When a receiver avoids getting jammed by a DB, by using footwork to cut past or upper-body strength to out-muscle him.

Houston's Andre Johnson towers over most backs at 6'3", 223. Most teams have given up on trying to jam him by now.


ROAD GRADER

Huge O-lineman who can drive his defender backward.

At 336 pounds, and with the athleticism of a man 70 pounds lighter, Chargers T Marcus McNeill simply embarasses opposing ends.


ROUNDS OFF ROUTES

Describes a receiver who shortens his steps and turns his body slowly when cutting, making it easy for defenders to recognize his pass pattern and follow him.

Despite incredible athleticism, Reggie Brown's failed to emerge as an elite receiver because of his inability to work underneath. (Also See: CHOPS FEET)


RUN VISION

A RB's ability to read his blockers and the flow of the defenders to determine where and when holes will open. This requires a combination of patience, experience and instinct.

Ex-Giant Derrick Ward excelled at waiting for his pulling linemen to create space on the edges for him to burst through. (Also See: PATIENCE)


RUNS THE TREE

Describes a receiver who uses proper technique on all traditional pass routes (ins, outs, curls, etc.), in contrast to one who ran only deep routes in college.

Miami's Ted Ginn Jr. primarily ran three routes in college, forcing him to learn how to run the tree at the pro level and stunting his development.

SCRAPES (AND SIFTS)

When a LB or DB avoids blockers by trying to go around them, in lieu of taking them on directly.

LB Greg Ellis was the weak link in the Cowboys run defense last year.


SECOND GEAR

Ability to accelerate beyond initial level of speed when running downfield or in space.

Saints WR Devery Henderson averages nearly 22 YPC by separating from whoever's in coverage against him deep.


SECOND-LEVEL BLOCK

Block by an O-lineman on a LB or safety 2-3 yards downfield.

Jets G Alan Faneca excels at getting to and finishing linebackers and safeties on the move.


SEES ENTIRE FIELD

Describes a QB who knows the locations of all his eligible receivers and can read the entire defense, allowing him to find open, nonprimary receivers.

How else do you think Ben Roethlisberger finds those receivers at the last possible second? Telepathy? (VIDEO)


SELLS ROUTES

Describes a receiver who routinely fools his defender by, say, making different routes look identical at the start of the pattern.

The consummate technician, the Packers' Donald Driver relies on his intelligence and route-running to create separation.


SEPARATION

Ability to escape a defensive back on a pass route.

'Skins wideout Santana Moss uses speed and a low center of gravity to avoid opposing defensive backs in coverage. (VIDEO)


SHADED NOSE

A DT who lines up over one of the center's shoulders.

Disgruntled Browns DT Shaun Rogers played what's known as the "zero-technique" in Cleveland's 3-4 last year.


SHED

To disengage from a blocker.

Former rugby player, and current Ravens DT, Haloti Ngata can consistently shed blocks and make plays, even when double-teamed.


SHORT-AREA BURST

Ability to accelerate within a short distance.

Jaguars FB Greg Jones can take on players much bigger than him by building up a short burst before unleashing.


SINK HIPS

Act of lowering hips to provide proper balance and explosion into breaks (for receivers) or defensive linemen (offensive linemen).

New Cowboys DE Igor Olshansky is fundamentally sound, using a combination of technique and strength to defeat blockers.


SQUARES SHOULDERS

When a blocker keeps his shoulders in front of his assignment, allowing him to adjust to whatever move a rusher attempts to make while remaining balanced.

He struggled last year, but at his peak (2007), Pats T Matt Light was so technically proficient as to render opposing rushers essentially useless.


STACK

For defenders: To engage a blocker head on, using his body to help fill a running lane.

As the ideal rush LB, the Jets' David Harris either makes tackles on the interior or occupies enough space as to make the tackle easier for his teammates.


STALK BLOCKER

Receiver adept at running a fake pass route then blocking his defender once that player realizes the play is a run.

Ask Keith Rivers about Hines Ward's blocking.


STRAFE

Sideways motion of a defender (usually a linebacker) moving laterally while diagnosing a play.

Packers LB Nick Barnett sneaks through traffic to maintain his angle on the ballcarrier or his coverage responsibilities.


STRAIGHT-LINE PLAYER

One whose speed is negated by inability to change direction quickly or make sudden moves.

Former second-round pick Sinorice Moss has great speed, but has made no progress in becoming an effective wide receiver for the Giants.


SUDDENNESS OFF THE EDGE

Combination of acceleration, fluidity a