Edge rusher (alternately edge defender or simply edge) is a term designating a position in gridiron football. Some analysts consider "edge rusher" to be its own position entirely.[1]
Players considered to be edge rushers are usually 4-3 defensive ends or 3-4 outside linebackers. Note that 3-4 outside linebackers often act as an extension of the defensive line, in that they will attack the offensive tackles or blocking tight ends on the majority of their snaps under a majority of 3-4 schemes, though it is not uncommon to see them drop back and play a more traditional 4-3 linebacker role as well.[2]
One reason the word "edge" is used in the term "edge rusher" is that edge often refers to the area outside of offensive tackles, but within a couple of yards of the line of scrimmage. While other positions will rarely be referred to as edge rushers, other than 4-3 defensive ends and 3-4 outside linebackers, it is common for defensive backs, traditional linebackers, and even defensive tackles to occasionally play the position on a play-to-play basis.[3]
Notable edge rushers of the National Football League (NFL) include:[4]
Each player's traditional position is noted in parentheses (DE for defensive end, OLB for outside linebacker).
Positions in American football and Canadian football | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Offense (Skill position) | Defense | Special teams | |||||
Linemen | Guard, Tackle, Center | Linemen | Tackle, End, Edge rusher | Kicking players | Placekicker, Punter, Kickoff specialist | ||
Quarterback (Dual-threat, Game manager, System) | Linebacker | Snapping | Long snapper, Holder | ||||
Backs | Halfback/Tailback (Triple-threat, Change of pace), Fullback, H-back, Wingback | Backs | Cornerback, Safety, Halfback, Nickelback, Dimeback | Returning | Punt returner, Kick returner, Jammer, Upman | ||
Receivers | Wide receiver (Eligible), Tight end, Slotback, End | Tackling | Gunner, Upback, Utility | ||||
Formations (List) -- Nomenclature -- Strategy |