Find the right position.

Leads the offense and throws passes.

Key traits

Sp. Atk

Also helps

HP, Sp. Def, Speed

Smaller factors

Attack

Type nudges

Psychic, Normal, Dragon

Scout arm talent first. A high Attack stat alone does not make a strong passer.

Carries the ball through traffic and into space.

Key traits

Attack + Speed

Also helps

HP

Smaller factors

Defense, Weight

Type nudges

Fighting, Ground, Normal

Look for a runner who has both burst and power. Weight is a smaller factor here than on the line.

Blocks in front of the runner and handles short yardage.

Key traits

Attack + Defense + Weight

Also helps

HP

Type nudges

Rock, Ground, Fighting, Normal

Choose a physical blocker. A fast, light player has a more natural home at receiver.

Replaces the fullback with an inside receiver.

Key traits

Speed

Also helps

Attack, Sp. Def

Smaller factors

HP, Sp. Atk

Type nudges

Electric, Flying, Fairy

Switching to Slot changes the job of this position, so revisit the player you put there.

Runs downfield routes. There are two outside receivers.

Key traits

Speed

Also helps

Attack, Sp. Atk

Smaller factors

Sp. Def, Height

Type nudges

Electric, Flying

Prioritize speed, then receiving traits. Extra height helps a little, while weight does not count.

Combines blocking and receiving.

Key traits

Balanced role — see supporting traits

Also helps

HP, Attack, Defense, Speed, Weight

Smaller factors

Height

Type nudges

Fighting, Water

Look for balance. A player who only excels at one receiving stat may leave blocking behind.

Two tackles, two guards and one center protect the offense.

Key traits

Defense + Weight

Also helps

HP

Smaller factors

Attack, Sp. Def

Type nudges

Rock, Steel, Ground, Fighting

Check all five blockers. Their combined contribution is larger than the quarterback’s.

Rushes the passer and defends the edge.

Key traits

Attack + Speed

Also helps

HP, Weight

Smaller factors

Defense

Type nudges

Fighting, Dark, Dragon

Attack and Speed drive pass rushing; Sp. Atk and Sp. Def do not contribute to this position’s fit.

Anchors the middle of a 3-4 front.

Key traits

Weight

Also helps

HP, Attack, Defense

Type nudges

Rock, Ground, Steel, Fighting

This is one of the clearest homes for a heavy player. Speed is not a fit factor.

Fills the two inside line spots in a 4-3 front.

Key traits

Attack + Weight

Also helps

HP, Defense

Smaller factors

Speed

Type nudges

Rock, Ground, Steel, Fighting

A nose tackle and a defensive tackle have different priorities. Re-scout after changing fronts.

Chases outside runs and rushes the passer.

Key traits

Attack + Speed

Also helps

HP, Defense

Smaller factors

Sp. Def

Type nudges

Fighting, Dark, Bug

Pair power with speed. Special Attack and weight do not contribute to this position’s fit.

Covers the middle of a 3-4 defense.

Key traits

Attack + Defense

Also helps

HP, Speed

Smaller factors

Sp. Def

Type nudges

Fighting, Dark, Ground

Keep run defense strong. High Attack and Defense suit this role better than one standout special stat.

Works in the middle of a 4-3 defense.

Key traits

Attack

Also helps

HP, Defense, Sp. Def, Speed

Type nudges

Fighting, Dark, Ground

Look for a rounded middle defender. This role has a different mix from an inside linebacker.

Covers a receiver one-on-one. There are two corners.

Key traits

Speed

Also helps

Defense, Sp. Def

Smaller factors

Attack, Height

Type nudges

Flying, Dark, Ghost

Reserve speed for both corners. Height contributes a little, but HP and weight do not.

Protects deep space behind the rest of the defense.

Key traits

Sp. Def + Speed

Also helps

HP, Defense

Smaller factors

Sp. Atk

Type nudges

Flying, Psychic

Look for speed and composure together. Attack is not a fit factor here.