Slot Receivers
Slot receivers are a unique and special type of wide receiver that can do things that most other wideouts cannot. They give the offense an extra weapon that can be used throughout the game to help stretch out the field and attack all three levels of defense.
The best slot receivers are small, tough and fast, and can easily absorb contact when running in the middle of the field. They also have the ability to go over defenders and find open space.
They are often matched against the team’s 3d or 4th cornerback and depend on their speed to pick up crucial third down yardage. They are starting to replace the full-back position in modern spread offenses, giving the offense a key player to make plays with.
Some slot receivers even act as a ball carrier from time to time, such as on pitch plays, reverses and end-arounds. These players need to be able to get in pre-snap motion, and the quarterback needs to have a feel for how quickly the slot receiver can catch up with the ball and make a play on it.
A slot receiver is a very versatile player, and can run all types of routes. They can also be very precise with their timing and have great chemistry with the quarterback.
Their ability to block is a big part of their success, and they must be able to deal with heavy pressure on their body. They don’t have to be as tough as offensive linemen, but they need to be able to stay healthy and keep their body moving well.
They are a good fit for today’s spread offenses, and many teams see a lot of financial benefit from them. Some teams are using them as the primary slot receivers, while others are using them to provide an extra blocker when they have no fullback or tight end.
Some players are drafted as slot receivers, but many others earn their title from the start of their career. Some of the most notable slot receivers include Wayne Chrebet, Wes Welker, Charlie Joiner, Julian Edelman and Andre Rison.
These players have paved the way for what the position is now and have helped the slot receiver become a vital part of the NFL. These players have a variety of skills, from their speed to their hands, and are incredibly hardworking.
The best slot receivers are able to read defenses very well and can make adjustments at any time. They have a strong understanding of what they need to do to be successful and how to use their speed to their advantage.
In addition to their speed, they have strong hands and are very reliable with the football. They are often able to run go routes and pick up big chunks of yardage, but they can also catch the ball in stride and be a big target for the offense.
In addition to their skill set, slot receivers are also a very good decoy when the offense is trying to extend out on plays, too. They can run a slant or a go route and catch the ball in stride, making it look like they are running a straight forward route and creating a huge target for the quarterback.