Add “Flex TE (FTE)” Depth Chart Position for Modern Offenses
Add “Flex TE (FTE)” Depth Chart Position for Modern Offenses
Problem (What’s broken):
The current TE depth chart forces one player group to handle two different jobs:
- Inline TE (Y): attached to the line, blocks like an OL, plays in heavy personnel
- Move/Flex TE (F): detached, plays in space (slot/wing), runs routes in spread/gun
This creates:
- Inconsistent personnel across formations
- Poor role resolution (blocking TE in space, receiving TE forced inline)
- Extra setup time and more in-game errors
Core Idea:
Create a separate Flex TE (FTE) position on the depth chart—similar to SLWR.
How It Works:
TE Depth Chart (Inline Y Role)
- TE1 — primary inline TE
- TE2 — secondary inline TE
- TE3 — depth
Flex TE Depth Chart (F / Move TE Role)
- FTE1 — primary receiving/space TE
- FTE2 — backup flex TE
- FTE3 — depth
Formation Logic (Auto Assignment):
- Under Center / Heavy Sets (I-Form, Ace, 12/22 personnel): use TE depth chart
- Gun / Spread / Empty / Detached Alignments: use FTE depth chart
- Wing / H-back / motion-heavy looks: prioritize FTE
Dual TE Usage (Inline + Flex in Same Formation):
Some formations require both roles at once (one TE attached, one detached). This system supports both simultaneously.
Assignment Rules:
- Inline TE positions → pull from TE depth chart
- Detached/slot/wing TE positions → pull from FTE depth chart
Examples:
- Gun Doubles w/ TE + Slot TE:
- Inline TE → TE1
- Slot TE → FTE1
- 12 Personnel (1 RB, 2 TE):
- TE on LOS → TE1
- TE off-ball/wing/slot → FTE1
- Ace Slot / Split Wing:
- Attached TE → TE1
- Motion/Wing TE → FTE1
Fallback Rules (for stability):
- No FTE available → use TE with best receiving traits
- No TE available → use FTE inline (with blocking penalty)
Unicorn / Every-down TE (Dual-Role Player):
This system should support rare players who can excel both inline and in space—an “every-down TE.”
Concept:
- Equivalent to an every-down RB who never leaves the field
- Can block like a Y and win in space like an F
System Rule (Dual-Role Eligibility):
- A player can be assigned to both TE and FTE depth charts
- If ranked #1 in both → he stays on the field across all formations
- Alignment changes based on formation (not substitution):
- Heavy sets → lines up inline (TE role)
- Spread sets → lines up detached (FTE role)
Substitution Conditions:
- Fatigue
- Injury
- Explicit package rotation (TE2/FTE2)
Why This Matters:
This mirrors systems already in the game:
- WR vs SLWR
- HB vs 3DRB / PWHB
TE is the only skill position still forced into one role, while modern football separates:
- Y (inline)
- F (flex/move)
This system also properly values rare “unicorn” players instead of forcing them into one role.
Gameplay Benefits:
- Cleaner role resolution (players stay in correct roles)
- More realistic substitutions across formations
- Less reliance on manual formation subs
- Better CPU roster logic
- Rewards elite, versatile players
- Creates meaningful roster decisions (specialists vs everydown TE)
Recruiting & Development Impact:
Encourages clear TE archetypes:
- Y TE: strength, run block, pass block
- F TE: speed, agility, route running, catching
- Everydown TE: rare blend of both (premium asset)
Bottom Line:
Modern football treats TE as two positions: attached (Y) and detached (F).
Adding Flex TE (FTE)—with support for dual-role “everydown” players—aligns the depth chart with real usage, improves gameplay realism, and reduces unnecessary micromanagement.
