We’ve spent a lot of time discussing how the Seahawks could use a prospect like Obi Melifonwu. One of the suggestions is he could be used as a ‘big nickel’ working against larger receivers and tight ends.
The Panthers drafted Shaq Thompson at #25 in 2015 and have used him as a SAM linebacker and ‘Buffalo’ nickel. So what is a Buffalo?
Essentially it’s a hybrid linebacker/safety, used instead of a traditional DB to counteract big targets and help vs the run.
Bucky Brooks noted two and a half years ago that the ‘big nickel’ look was the hottest trend in the NFL:
“The defensive coordinator will instead bring on an extra safety who acts as a hybrid linebacker/cornerback.