They use a combination of their massive size and strength to anchor and win against blockers at the point of attack. That is why the heaviest players in the NFL typically play NT in the 3-4 front. To do this, he must control the center while often drawing a double team from either guard. His main job is to shut the run game down from pushing directly up the middle. The 0-Tech is generally responsible for defending both gaps between the center and the guard (A-gaps) and is most often used in a 3-4 defensive front. The 0-technique, also called the Nose Tackle (NT), plays directly over the center or “head-up” on him. With that, your prototypes for each defensive line technique for the 2017 season: 0-Technique (3-4 NT) – Damon Harrison, New York Giants Moving across the front you will see that even numbers are head up alignments, odd numbers are outside shaded alignments and those containing an ‘i' are traditionally shading just inside.
![prototype 3 2017 prototype 3 2017](http://www.prototype.horse/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/DSC_9919.jpg)
Each shade along the way will receive its own number or contain an ‘i' modifier, which stands for “inside”.
![prototype 3 2017 prototype 3 2017](https://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/news_blogs/1037/title_image/s1600_CRCcamp_2305_16_9_497427.jpg)
While their may be variances or more nuances to the naming system for each technique, we will use the defensive line numbering system below as a reference.Įssentially, the numbering begins from head up over the center, and works its way outward in either direction. Today, we examine the updated version, so-to-speak, on how the classic defensive line techniques have changed and who the current prototype is for each alignment. Fast forward to 2017, and defensive fronts have changed dramatically along with the types of players NFL teams are searching for as positional prototypes. In 2011, PFF's Sam Monson identified the leagues prototypes for each defensive line technique.