We need to stop thinking the striker is a nickel cornerback and realize it’s just a fancy name for a strong side linebacker. Against a traditional offense, the Striker or SAM Will line up on the same side as the tight end most times. Today’s offenses aren’t as vanilla so you’re not always going heads up against an inline tight end like the old days. Depending on formation, the strong side linebacker may be asked to cover a slot receiver or a flexed tight end. Thus why they tend to play smaller, quicker guys at the striker position who maybe can’t cover as well as a corner but won’t get embarrassed like a traditional linebacker.