Following up with suggestions to differentiate and expand player archetypes.
FB
Some schools (and CFB26 playbooks, I see you Iowa State) still make great use of fullbacks and there are plenty of popular, effective players throughout the history of the game to draw inspiration from.
- Add "Hammer" player type.
- Modeling Dan Alstott and Peyton Hillis, this is sort of done with the North/South Blocker RB type, but would have more emphasis on well-rounded blocking and blasting through tacklers. Hybrid FB/Power HB.
- Using Blocking FB archetype as a base, add Break Tackle.
- Add Headfirst, Downhill and Battering Ram physical abilities, plus a couple blocking abilities like Screen Enforcer and Strong Grip. Workhorse would be a good option as well.
- Add "Swiss Army Knife" player type.
- Modeling Larry Centers and Kyle Juszczyk, this Fullback archetype would have similarities with possession TEs but with better run after catch and lead blocking. Hybrid FB/3rd Down Back.
- Using Utility FB archetype as a base, add Run Block Finesse and Pass Block Power, Deep Route Running, and Catch in Traffic. Remove Trucking, add Juke.
- Add Shifty and Sure Hands for better adjusting to and running after catch. Sidekick, Outside Shield, and PA Shield round out their blocking. Takeoff and Weardown would be good alternatives.
- To better differentiate these player types, remove Agility and Change of Direction from Blocking FBs. Swap Screen Enforcer with Ground n Pound. Decrease the cost of their impact blocking.
- Awareness should be more affordable for FB's in general. They're not very fun to use when they get "stuck" in the backfield or miss their blocks.
- Improving FB generation and progression in general would help the game. Everybody makes a better FB than actual FBs: converted RBs, TEs, and even some WRs and QBs make great FBs. It's rare for them to develop into the mid 80s (or higher).
LB
- Add "Tweener/Stand Up Edge" player type.
- Classic 3-4 OLB/blitzing LB with emphasis on pass rush over coverage. Thumpers tend to develop good pass rush ratings and Signal Callers have Take Down, but neither quite satisfy this archetype.
- Physical abilities should include Quick Jump, Duress, Pocket Disruptor, Outside Disruptor, and Option Disruptor. Blow Up would be a good alternative.
K/P
- Add "Weapon" player type.
- Modeling Daniel Sepulveda, Reggie Hodges, Tom Tupa, and that time Jay Feely outscored the entire Broncos offense by himself, these special teamers have athletic ability to move the ball and cover their own kicks.
- Chip Shot and Coffin Corner ensure kicking ability while Wrap Up, Shifty and either Dot or Mobile Deadeye give them versatility.
- More balanced progression between kicking, athleticism, tackling and block shedding, and carrying and passing (plus some toughness/injury) ensure they won't be the best pure kickers but still competent while developing other ratings better.
