An NFL offensive line has five standard positions: left tackle, left guard, center, right guard, and right tackle. The center snaps the ball; the guards line up beside the center; the tackles are the outside pair. All five block, but their specific assignments depend on the play and offensive scheme.
Where the five offensive linemen line up
Viewed from the offense’s left to right, the standard line is:
LT — LG — C — RG — RT
The center is in the middle. The guards flank the center, and the tackles line up outside the guards at the two ends of the basic line. The NFL’s formations guide includes labeled illustrations that show the line in relation to eligible receivers.
What does a center do in football?
The center (C) lines up in the middle of the offensive line and snaps the ball to begin the play. A snap is the center passing the ball through the legs to the quarterback, punter, or holder; in a typical offensive play, the quarterback receives it.
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Where do the guards line up?
The left guard (LG) and right guard (RG) line up immediately on opposite sides of the center, between the center and the tackles. On passing plays, guards block pass rushers; on running plays, they try to help open lanes for the runner.
What is the difference between a tackle and a guard?
The main difference is where each position lines up: guards are inside, next to the center, while tackles are outside the guards at the ends of the basic line. Both positions block, and both can help protect the quarterback or create running lanes. The NFL glossary describes these as broad tasks, not fixed assignments for every play.
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What does an offensive tackle do?
The left tackle (LT) and right tackle (RT) form the outside pair of the basic offensive line. Their broad tasks include blocking pass rushers to protect the quarterback on passing plays and helping open running lanes on rushing plays. The particular defender or area each lineman handles can vary with the play and scheme.
Two meanings of “tackle”
An offensive tackle is a position on the line. A tackle is also a defensive action: bringing the ball carrier down or forcing the runner out of bounds to stop the play. The word’s meaning depends on whether it names a player’s position or an action.
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Quick position comparison
| Position | Where it lines up | Broad role |
|---|---|---|
| Center (C) | Middle of the line | Snaps the ball; also blocks |
| Left guard (LG) and right guard (RG) | On either side of the center | Block pass rushers and help open running lanes |
| Left tackle (LT) and right tackle (RT) | Outside the guards, at the ends of the basic line | Block pass rushers and help open running lanes |
These are the standard positions and general roles. For details about legal positions at the snap, the snapper, or formation rules, see the 2026 NFL Rulebook.
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