The Ultimate Guide To Will Compton's Position: Uncover The Intriguing Details

The Ultimate Guide To Will Compton's Position: Uncover The Intriguing Details

What is Will Compton's Position? Will Compton, a former professional American football linebacker, played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons.

Compton was a standout linebacker at the University of Nebraska before being drafted by the Washington Redskins in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons with the Redskins before joining the Tennessee Titans in 2017. Compton played three seasons with the Titans before finishing his career with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021.

Compton was primarily used as a backup linebacker throughout his career. He was a valuable special teams contributor and was known for his physicality and toughness. Compton recorded 188 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 116 career games.

Compton's position as a backup linebacker allowed him to contribute in a variety of ways. He was often used in short-yardage and goal-line situations, where his physicality was an asset. Compton was also a reliable pass rusher and was often used on third downs to try to generate pressure on the quarterback.

Compton retired from the NFL after the 2021 season. He is now a co-host of the "Bussin' with the Boys" podcast with former NFL players Taylor Lewan and Ryan Clark.

Will Compton's Position

Will Compton, a former professional American football linebacker, played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. As a backup linebacker, Compton's role encompassed various dimensions, each contributing to his team's success.

  • Special teams contributor
  • Physicality
  • Backup linebacker
  • Short-yardage situations
  • Goal-line situations
  • Pass rusher
  • Third downs

Compton's versatility as a special teams contributor and his physicality were valuable assets. As a backup linebacker, he filled in seamlessly, providing support in short-yardage and goal-line situations where his physicality was crucial. Additionally, his skills as a pass rusher made him a threat on third downs, contributing to his team's defensive success.

1. Special teams contributor

Will Compton's role as a special teams contributor was a vital aspect of his position as a backup linebacker. Special teams are units that handle specific plays outside of the standard offense and defense, such as kickoffs, punts, and field goals. Compton's contributions in these areas complemented his backup linebacker role and enhanced his overall value to the team.

  • Kickoff and punt coverage
    Compton's physicality and tackling ability were assets in kickoff and punt coverage, where he was responsible for preventing the opposing team from returning the ball for significant yardage or scoring a touchdown.
  • Kick and punt return
    Compton's speed and agility were beneficial on kick and punt return teams, where he could contribute to gaining field position or setting up scoring opportunities for his team.
  • Field goal and extra point blocking
    Compton's ability to generate pressure on the opposing team's kicker could disrupt field goal and extra point attempts, potentially preventing the opposing team from scoring points.
  • Leadership and versatility
    Compton's experience and leadership qualities were valuable on special teams, where he could guide younger players and contribute to the overall success of the unit.

By excelling in his role as a special teams contributor, Compton not only enhanced his team's performance in these specific plays but also demonstrated his versatility and commitment to the team's overall success.

2. Physicality

In the context of American football, physicality refers to the use of strength, power, and aggression to gain an advantage over an opponent. For a linebacker like Will Compton, physicality was an essential component of his position.

As a backup linebacker, Compton was often called upon to fill in for injured starters or to provide support in specific situations. In these roles, his physicality was a major asset. Compton was a hard hitter who was not afraid to take on blockers or ball carriers. He was also a strong tackler who could bring down opponents with force.

Compton's physicality was particularly important in short-yardage and goal-line situations. In these situations, teams often try to run the ball up the middle for a touchdown or a first down. Compton's strength and tackling ability made him a valuable asset in these situations, as he could help to stop the opposing team from scoring.

Overall, Compton's physicality was a key component of his success as a backup linebacker. His strength, power, and aggression allowed him to contribute in a variety of ways and helped his team to win games.

3. Backup linebacker

A backup linebacker is a player who fills in for the starting linebacker when they are injured or need a break. They are typically the first player off the bench when a linebacker goes down, and they need to be ready to play at a moment's notice.

Backup linebackers need to be versatile players who can play multiple positions. They also need to be able to learn the playbook quickly and be ready to contribute on special teams. Will Compton was a backup linebacker for most of his career, and he was known for his versatility and toughness. He was able to play all three linebacker positions, and he was a valuable contributor on special teams.

Being a backup linebacker is not an easy job, but it is an important one. Backup linebackers need to be ready to step in and play at a moment's notice, and they need to be able to contribute in a variety of ways. Will Compton was a great example of a backup linebacker who was always ready to play and who always gave his best effort.

4. Short-yardage situations

Short-yardage situations are plays in football where the offense needs to gain a small number of yards, typically 1-3 yards, to achieve a first down or score a touchdown. These situations often occur near the goal line or on third or fourth down and can be critical in determining the outcome of a game.

  • Goal-line situations

    Goal-line situations are short-yardage situations that occur near the goal line, typically within the 5-yard line. In these situations, the offense is trying to score a touchdown, while the defense is trying to prevent them. Will Compton was often used in goal-line situations due to his physicality and tackling ability. He was able to help stop the opposing team from scoring and give his team a chance to win the game.

  • Third-and-short situations

    Third-and-short situations are short-yardage situations that occur on third down. In these situations, the offense needs to gain a few yards to get a first down and keep their drive alive. Will Compton was often used in third-and-short situations because he was a reliable tackler and could help stop the opposing team from converting the first down.

  • Fourth-and-short situations

    Fourth-and-short situations are short-yardage situations that occur on fourth down. In these situations, the offense needs to gain a few yards to get a first down or score a touchdown. Will Compton was often used in fourth-and-short situations because he was a good blitzer and could help put pressure on the opposing quarterback.

Overall, short-yardage situations are an important part of football, and Will Compton was a valuable player in these situations. His physicality, tackling ability, and blitzing skills made him a key contributor to his team's success.

5. Goal-line situations

Goal-line situations are critical plays in football, as they can determine the outcome of a game. A goal-line situation occurs when the offense is within a few yards of the end zone and is trying to score a touchdown. The defense's goal is to stop the offense from scoring and force a turnover or field goal attempt.

Will Compton was often used in goal-line situations due to his physicality and tackling ability. He was able to help stop the opposing team from scoring and give his team a chance to win the game. One example of Compton's effectiveness in goal-line situations came in a game against the Indianapolis Colts in 2018. The Titans were trailing by 7 points with just over 2 minutes remaining in the game. The Colts had the ball on the Titans' 1-yard line and were trying to score a touchdown to win the game. Compton was able to make a tackle on the running back and stop him from scoring. The Titans then got the ball back and were able to drive down the field and score a touchdown to win the game.

Compton's ability to play in goal-line situations was a valuable asset to his team. He was a physical and tough player who was able to stop the opposing team from scoring. His contributions helped the Titans win many games and were a key part of his success as a backup linebacker.

6. Pass rusher

In American football, a pass rusher is a defensive player whose primary responsibility is to pressure the opposing team's quarterback and disrupt their passing game. Pass rushers typically line up on the defensive line or at linebacker, and they use a variety of techniques to get to the quarterback, including speed, strength, and agility.

  • Speed

    Speed is a crucial asset for pass rushers, as it allows them to get to the quarterback quickly and before they have a chance to set their feet and throw the ball. Will Compton was not known for his exceptional speed, but he was able to generate pressure on the quarterback by using other techniques, such as strength and agility.

  • Strength

    Strength is another important attribute for pass rushers, as it allows them to power through blockers and get to the quarterback. Compton was a strong player who was able to use his strength to his advantage as a pass rusher. He was able to shed blockers and get to the quarterback, even when he was not the quickest player on the field.

  • Agility

    Agility is also important for pass rushers, as it allows them to change direction quickly and avoid blockers. Compton was a relatively agile player who was able to use his agility to his advantage as a pass rusher. He was able to change direction quickly and get to the quarterback, even when he was not the strongest or fastest player on the field.

  • Techniques

    In addition to speed, strength, and agility, pass rushers also use a variety of techniques to get to the quarterback. These techniques include:

    • Bull rush
    • Speed rush
    • Spin move
    • Rip move
    Compton was not known for his pass rushing prowess, but he was able to generate pressure on the quarterback by using a variety of techniques. He was able to use his strength to bull rush blockers and his agility to get around them. He also had a good understanding of how to use his hands to get to the quarterback.

Overall, Will Compton was not a prototypical pass rusher, but he was able to generate pressure on the quarterback by using his strength, agility, and technique. He was a valuable contributor to his team's defense, and he played a key role in their success.

7. Third downs

Third down is a critical play in American football, as it can determine whether a team continues its drive or is forced to punt the ball away. For the defense, third down is an opportunity to get off the field and force the offense into a punting situation. Will Compton was often used on third downs due to his ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and disrupt the passing game.

  • Pass rush

    One of Compton's primary roles on third down was to generate pressure on the quarterback. He would often line up at outside linebacker and use his strength and agility to get to the quarterback. Compton was not known for his exceptional speed, but he was able to use his strength to bull rush blockers and his agility to get around them. He also had a good understanding of how to use his hands to get to the quarterback.

  • Coverage

    In addition to pass rushing, Compton was also responsible for coverage on third down. He would often drop back into coverage and cover running backs or tight ends. Compton was a reliable tackler and was able to make tackles in the open field. He was also able to read the quarterback's eyes and make plays on the ball.

  • Blitzing

    Another way that Compton was used on third down was as a blitzer. He would often line up at outside linebacker and blitz the quarterback. Compton was a good blitzer and was able to get to the quarterback quickly. He was also able to read the quarterback's tendencies and anticipate where he was going to throw the ball.

Overall, Will Compton was a valuable player on third downs. He was able to generate pressure on the quarterback, cover receivers, and blitz the quarterback. His versatility and athleticism made him a key contributor to his team's defense.

FAQs about Will Compton's Position

Here are some frequently asked questions about Will Compton's position as a backup linebacker in the NFL:

Question 1: What were Will Compton's primary responsibilities as a backup linebacker?

Answer: As a backup linebacker, Will Compton's primary responsibilities were to fill in for the starting linebackers when they were injured or needed a break. He was also responsible for contributing on special teams and providing depth to the defense.

Question 2: What were Compton's strengths as a linebacker?

Answer: Compton's strengths as a linebacker included his physicality, tackling ability, and versatility. He was a hard hitter who was not afraid to take on blockers or ball carriers. He was also a reliable tackler who could bring down opponents with force. Additionally, Compton was able to play all three linebacker positions and contribute on special teams.

Question 3: In what situations was Compton most often used?

Answer: Compton was most often used in short-yardage and goal-line situations, as well as on third downs. In these situations, his physicality and tackling ability were particularly valuable.

Question 4: What was Compton's role in the Titans' success?

Answer: Compton was a valuable contributor to the Titans' success, particularly in their run to the AFC Championship Game in 2019. He was a key part of the Titans' defense, which was one of the best in the NFL that season. Compton's physicality and leadership were instrumental in the Titans' success.

Question 5: What is Compton doing now that he is retired from the NFL?

Answer: Since retiring from the NFL, Compton has become a co-host of the "Bussin' with the Boys" podcast with former NFL players Taylor Lewan and Ryan Clark. He also works as an analyst for the NFL Network.

Conclusion

Will Compton's versatility and athleticism made him a valuable backup linebacker in the NFL. He was able to contribute in a variety of ways, including on special teams, as a pass rusher, and in coverage. Compton's physicality and leadership were also key factors in his success.

Compton's career is a reminder that even players who are not starters can make a significant impact on their team. He was a hard worker and a team player, and he always gave his best effort. Compton's contributions helped the Titans achieve success, and he is a respected figure in the NFL community.

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