How Hybrid Defenders Are Changing Modern NFL Defenses

The NFL is an ever-changing entity comprised of intelligent people who have dedicated their lives to discovering the slightest tactical advantage on game days. Games are often decided on a small handful of plays that turn the tide for one side. Any type of misstep or personnel edge can become a great strength or devastating weakness.

As passing-game efficiency has risen over the course of the last decade, defenses have had to adjust to become more versatile and less predictable. This includes hybrid defenders who may not have prototypical size or skill sets for one specific position, but can be utilized in various situations and alignments because of their impact defending the pass. The recent revolution has changed how modern defense is played.

According to Pro Football Focus (via Peter King of The MMQB), defenses played in nickel defenses 63.4 percent of all snaps in 2015— an all-time high. With five or more defensive backs on the field, defenses can cover more ground quickly to help smother receiving threats. Inherently this gives the offense the opportunity to punish smaller defenders by running the ball or throwing to tight ends.

The counter for defenses has been to find oversized safeties to play at linebacker and to find coverage safeties who can act as a cornerback. This is not only taking advantage of a market inefficiency, as teams have generally overvalued big, hulking linebackers and undervalued the speed and diagnostic ability of safeties who may struggle in a less defined role. But the desperation to be competent against both running and passing offenses has opened the door for numerous players to be more of a defensive weapon for their unit.

The concept of using non-traditional defenders in new roles isn’t unique, as former Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Joey Browner was one of the first linebackers-turned-defensive backs in the 1980s. The 6’2”, 221-pounder was a first-round pick and made six Pro Bowls and three First-Team All-Pro teams with the Vikings. Now the conversion is much more popular as defenses can be amorphous without sacrificing functionality.

The modern NFL has continually maximized similar players in recent seasons. The list of linebacker and safety hybrids isn’t overly deep, as there is only a handful across the league. But never before have linebackers under 230 pounds found this much success or receive considerable investment.

The current golden standard across the league is Arizona Cardinals linebacker Deone Bucannon. The former Washington State safety was a great athlete for his old position before converting, testing above-average in all but the 20-yard shuttle among safeties since 1999, per Mock Draftable. Bucannon has defied the odds as a 6’1”, 211-pound inside linebacker because of his rare ability to win in space as a run defender and in coverage. He’s already amassed 159 solo tackles, five sacks and four forced fumbles in two seasons.

It was common to hear comparisons to Bucannon this past draft class as …

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