Nickel Backs

Q1: In a previous post you said that nickel backs should be undersized, fast, and able to tackle in the open field. What do you mean by that?

A1: A nickle back is a 3rd CB (5th DB..hence the "nickel") that comes into the game when you run a nickel defense (or a fourth CB when you run a dime/hybrid nickel defense). A defense typically uses a nickel set-up when their opponent is utilizing a three wide receiver set. Although, you also see some teams run nickel when their opponent has a running back with solid receiving skills (e.g., Marshall Faulk being the exemplar, Reggie Bush being the modern case).

CBs are not as heavy as NFL LBs, but they tend to be quicker, faster, and more agile. And, of course, they have considerably better cover skills (as that is the primary duty of their position). So, when you have more CBs on the field, then you are better preppared to defend against the pass.

Three receiver sets are increasingly common in the NFL (as are four or even five receiver sets). This is due, in large part, to rule changes that occured in the mid-9o's. Foremost among these rule changes was the death of "bump and run" coverage. The loss of bump and run coverage made it harder for DBs to defend, thus making it easier for WRs to score (which is why the NFL passed this rule, to increase scoring). In turn, most NFL teams have adopted a more developed passing attack to take advantage of the rule changes.

These rule changes also maximized the value of additional CBs (i.e., in addition to your two starting CBs). Nickel backs became key components to any defense because they allowed teams to play against the pass.

But how to draft a nickel back? You probably can't afford or find three elite CBs in this day and age. Especially since elite CBs make big bucks...now that the rules have made their job nearly impossible.

The answer: draft CBs that have traits which make them undesirable as every down players.

For example, many otherwise solid CBs are undersized. That is, they are too short to match up against large WRs (increasingly common in the NFL). So, teams do not like to pay for CBs that can't cover big WRs on the edge (of the field). But undersized CBs are valuable against three + WR sets, because few NFL teams can field 3-4 tall WRs (that are any good). That means the "undersized" CB(s) can be matched up against shorter WRs to maximize their effectiveness.

My other criteria, speed and a good open field tackler, are less complicated. Speed is essential when it comes to modern NFL CB play. Especially recovery speed (since you can't really touch WRs any more...you have to be able to react better in open space). Nickel backs also need to be able to tackle. Perhaps more so than other CBs. Why? Because if your nickel back can't tackle (and they are undersized), then your opponent will use three receiver sets to run against you. In other words, they will run at your nickel back. Remember, when you have an additional CB on the field that means you have one less LB or DT. So, you have fewer men "in the box." If your nickel back is undersized, then he is a great person to run at. This is also why RBs who can catch out of the backfield and power over people (Reggie Bush) are so tough to match up against. You force your opponent to either play nickel all the time or cover your RB with a LB. Neither is a great option for any defense.