A 5-2 defense is a defensive scheme in football where there are five defensive linemen on the line of scrimmage, two linebackers, and four defensive backs in the back of the defense. This scheme adds an extra defender on the line of scrimmage, or two depending on the team’s usual calls.

A two- gap defensive lineman is expected to take on blockers head on and defend the gaps over each of their shoulders. Two-gap schemes require a defensive lineman to fill between two offensive linemen and thus plugging two gaps. A two-gap technique is mostly run out of odd fronts as shown in the image above.

The 3-4 defense consists of three defensive linemen (two defensive ends, one nose tackle) and four linebackers (two outside linebackers, two inside linebackers). The defensive ends (in a base 3-4) align in a “5-technique” with the nose tackle in a “0-technique.”

Depending on the play called and the philosophy of the defensive coordinator, a defensive lineman could be responsible for either one or two gaps. One-gap responsibility is relatively simple: the defender attacks a hole and must take care of whatever business happens there.

A drawback of the 3–4 is that without a fourth lineman to take on the offensive blockers and close the running lanes, both the defensive linemen and the linebackers can be overwhelmed by blocking schemes in the running game.

The C Gap is the space, or split, between the offensive tackles and tight ends, or area outside the tackles if no tight end is present. Gaps can be widened by blocks, used as holes or lanes by running backs, and/or targeted by defenders as an entry point to the backfield.

7 Technique is an alignment designation for a defensive lineman that is lined up over the inside shoulder of a tight end, outside the offensive tackle and shaded toward the C gap. From this position, the 7 technique can be responsible for delivering a jam on the tight end to prevent a free release into the route.

6 Technique is an alignment designation for a defensive lineman and/or outside linebacker on the line of scrimmage that is lined up outside the tackle and head up over the tight end, between the C Gap and D Gap.

A 3-technique tackle aligns over the outside shoulder of an offensive guard, responsible only for the “B” gap opposite him. Most traditional 3-4 defensive linemen play 2-gap techniques (though not all as we’ll see later) and most current 4-3 defensive tackles play 1-gap techniques.

5 technique – An alignment and technique designation for defensive linemen. A 5 technique player is commonly a defensive end in a 3-4 front, and aligns directly across from the offensive tackle. The player is responsible for the two gaps (B & C) on either side of the offensive tackle.

So, as you can see a 3 technique is a defensive lineman who typically lines up on the outside shoulder of a guard. A 5 technique is a defensive lineman who typically lines up on the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle.

Cornerback (CB) – Cornerbacks are usually the fastest player on the defense. They support the run, and might be asked to blitz the QB, but spend most of their time covering wide receivers. This means they try to break up passes, tackle players who catch passes, and try to intercept passes coming their way.

Defensive ends in the 3–4 defense average a height of 6′3″–6′8″ and a weight of 285–315 lbs.

Average time by position

Ends averaged 283 pounds and 6 feet 4 inches tall, the analysis of 2013 NFL rosters found. But defensive tackles, responsible for shutting down an opponents running game, averaged 6 foot 3 and 310 pounds.

Trent Brown is the heaviest NFL player Trent Brown leads all NFL players in being the heaviest player in the league. Brown checks in at 380lbs and uses it all to his advantage when playing offensive tackle. Trent Brown has started 60 out of 63 games during his NFL career.