Players in the NFL have dramatically evolved over recent decades. This includes professionalism, salaries, specialisation, size, and strength, contributing to the exciting matchups we see when asking “Who’s playing today NFL?”. High school quarterbacks now learn to read defences, and defences utilise complex line stunts and blitz packages. This specialisation starts early in a player’s career. Many major college programs have adopted pro-style offensive schemes, better preparing players for the NFL’s demands.
Increased specialisation in the NFL and evolving coaching strategies have led to new ideal body types for each position. Customised conditioning and nutritional programs are tailored to meet these specific physical requirements, further answering who’s playing in today’s NFL and how they’re prepared.
NFL players at most positions are bigger and stronger than their predecessors. However, sizes and body styles have also diverged, sometimes dramatically, based on each role’s specific demands. Data analysis reveals a clear trend: a 6-foot-3, 280-pound athlete might be too big for skill positions and too small for the line. This highlights the specialised physiques required for success in today’s NFL. A recent analysis showed average player weights ranging from 193 pounds for cornerbacks to a staggering 315 pounds for offensive guards. While less dramatic, height differences also exist, ranging from 5-foot-11 for running backs and cornerbacks to 6-foot-5 for offensive tackles. These variations in size and physique directly impact who’s playing today in the NFL and their respective on-field roles.
The most significant size divergence is seen on the offensive and defensive lines. In the past, a 6-foot-7, 275-pound offensive tackle was considered large. Today, such a player might need to bulk up considerably to compete.
Even legendary offensive lines of the past, known for their dominance, might not appear as imposing in today’s NFL. The median weight for guards and tackles has increased significantly, exceeding the weight of many past stars. This size shift underscores the game’s evolving demands and influences who plays in the NFL today.
While size is crucial for some positions, speed and agility remain paramount for others. Defensive ends, for example, require agility to rush the quarterback, mitigating the need for extreme size. However, defensive tackles, tasked with stopping the run, have become significantly larger over the years.
The trend of increasing size isn’t universal across all positions. Running backs, for instance, haven’t seen the same dramatic size increase as linemen. Modern running backs rely on a combination of size, speed, and agility to excel. They utilise their size to hide behind massive linemen, requiring specialised training for acceleration and lower body strength to break through defences. This blend of skills and physique dictates who plays running back in today’s NFL. Similarly, quarterback size hasn’t changed drastically. However, the average weight has increased, likely due to enhanced training and the need to withstand hits from larger defensive players. This evolution in size and strength directly impacts who plays quarterback in the NFL today and their ability to perform at a high level.