The Difference Between the 4-3 and 3-4 Defensive End

Jarvis Jenkins

As my previous post discussed the Redskins are having some trouble along the defensive line specifically at right end. With the loss of Jarvis Jenkins for 4 games and Adam Carriker indefinitely the Redskins have gone from having to lacking depth. With this news their has been some discussion among Redskins fans about the possibility of moving Kerrigan or Orakpo to defensive end for a few games until Jenkins can return. The argument is that Kerrigan and Orakpo are arguably the Redskins most talented players and both played defensive end in college. It would be easy for them to switch and Darryl Tapp or Brandon Jenkins could fill in at OLB for a short time.



The problem with this theory is there seems to be a lack of understanding that while both Kerrigan and Orakpo played defensive end in college they did so in a 4-3 defense while the Redskins play a 3-4. And so I have decided to write a post to explain at least some of the differences between a 3-4 and 4-3 defensive end.

Brian Orakpo

The most obvious difference between the two positions is size. Most 3-4 defensive ends are typically 300 lbs or more while 4-3 defensive ends weigh less usually around 270 lbs. But even those 4-3 defensive ends are significantly heavier than Orakpo and Kerrigan who both hover around 260 lbs. While 10 lbs might not seem a huge difference but asking players to gain that weight just for a few weeks only to loose it again would be a huge task.

Secondly, in a 4-3 defense the pass rush typically comes from the defensive line while in a 3-4 the pass rush is primarily caused by the linebackers. This means that a 3-4 defensive end needs to have the ability to take on more blockers and gaps allowing linebackers to break through the whole created by the DEs and NT. 4-3 defensive ends, however, need to be able to take on a offensive tackle on a consistent basis but at the same time have the athleticism to beat those tackles in order to pressure the quarterback.

This is a very basic and probably flawed way to help describe the differences between a 3-4 and 4-3 DE but the point is there. The Redskins run the 3-4 which needs big bodies who pound at the offensive line on every play while the 4-3 that Kerrigan and Orakpo played in college needs slimmer more athletic DEs that can rush the quarterback. All of this to say that Orakpo and Kerrigan can't play DE in the Redskins system as it would be a huge positional change and a waist of their talent and athleticism.