Request: Expand Defensive Position Options for Authentic Gameplay

One area where EA Sports games could significantly improve realism and player control is defensive position representation. Offense has benefited from increasingly detailed roles and mechanics, while defense still feels overly compressed into limited position categories.

Adding full, distinct defensive positions such as Safety, Outside Linebacker, and Dedicated Defensive Line roles would greatly enhance both realism and gameplay depth.

Why this matters:

1. Authentic Player Roles
   In real football, defensive responsibilities vary drastically by position. A free safety plays fundamentally different football than a strong safety. An outside linebacker is not interchangeable with an edge rusher. Treating these roles as separate positions would better reflect real-life schemes and player skill sets.
2. Improved Team-Building and Progression
   Player development would feel more meaningful if attributes and upgrades were tied to true positional roles. Drafting, training, and progressing a safety or an outside linebacker would feel intentional instead of forced into a generic defensive mold.
3. Deeper Strategy and Playcalling
   Expanded positions allow for smarter AI logic, better matchups, and more strategic substitutions. Defensive schemes like Cover 3, Nickel, or 3–4 formations would feel more accurate and rewarding to run.
4. Competitive Balance
   Defense often feels reactionary compared to offense. Adding clearer positional identities would give defensive players more agency and reduce reliance on exploits or animation-based outcomes.

This change would not only benefit simulation-focused players but also competitive and casual players who want defense to feel as engaging and varied as offense. Expanding defensive positions is a logical next step in pushing the franchise toward a more authentic and balanced football experience.

Hopefully this is something the team seriously considers for future updates.