The defensive secondary is also known as the safeties. There are two kinds of safeties, strong safeties and free safeties. Two different positions that make up the defensive secondary are cornerback and safeties. The safety is the line to defense trying to stop the offense from making big gains. The "strong" safety is usually the biggest defensive back, because often times he must cover the tight end. The "free" safety helps out wherever he is needed. Sometimes he will sneak up the line and rush the quarterback, and other times he may help a cornerback cover a wide receiver, or will tackle the ball carrier.