Ok so I've just gone through my whole squad picking players by the skill and not the preferred position. Like I have my gunner at QB, does this have much effect on the team?

you'll have a short term hit on performance. but it's exactly the right strategy for the long term

the stars you see for their positional rating is kinda like another skill. it helps them perform better when in that position they are listed as being suited for. but the more you play someone in a position that suits their skill set, the more they'll gain experience and stars for that role so stick with and you'll enventually reap the rewards.

i'm possibly the wrong person to ask as to opinion between the two..
but certainly feel free to post your players stats if you're happy to, the community here is very helpful indeed

the second guy.

Just one more (well unless I get stuck)....

For a HB

SKILLS
Positioning 1 Tackling 1 Punting 1
Vision 3 Blocking 2 Speed 15
Intelligence 2 Passing 2 Strength 10
Footwork 5 Catching 1 Agility 4
Carrying 4 Kicking 4 Stamina 1


or

SKILLS
Positioning 6 Tackling 7 Punting 4
Vision 3 Blocking 5 Speed 14
Intelligence 18 Passing 1 Strength 7
Footwork 6 Catching 4 Agility 2
Carrying 4 Kicking 6 Stamina 5

or

SKILLS
Positioning 2 Tackling 4 Punting 4
Vision 2 Blocking 6 Speed 14
Intelligence 10 Passing 5 Strength 7
Footwork 5 Catching 6 Agility 1
Carrying 3 Kicking 3 Stamina 6