A slot receiver is a type of receiver who lines up inside of the boundary cornerback. They can stretch defenses vertically and can mix in with other types of receivers. The slot position is also known as a “named slot” because of its name attribute. These receivers are usually lined up inside the boundary cornerback and can be used as either a pure speed receiver or as a combination of both.
Slot receivers are lined up inside of a boundary cornerback
Slot receivers line up inside of a boundary cornerback and are often called “Inside Linebackers.” This type of receiver is lined up inside of the defense’s perimeter. Their job is to be elusive, dip and duck between coverage, and find open spots. They also need to be accurate in their timing with the quarterback.
The slot position helps elite wide receivers run routes that help them increase their efficiency. For example, a receiver who lines up inside of a boundary cornerback averages more yards per route run than a receiver who lines up outside of the line of scrimmage. But there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, seven of the first-round receivers in the NFL Draft ran at least 50% of their routes from the slot. Another example is Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith, who took 37% of his targets from the slot.
Many NFL teams use the slot position to accommodate larger receivers. The slot position has evolved as larger receivers have become available, such as Wes Welker, Randall Cobb, and Drake London. For years, the slot receiver position was dominated by undersized receivers. But now, undersized receivers are starting to slow down.
They can stretch the defense vertically off pure speed
Slot receivers are one of the most versatile types of receivers on the football field. With excellent speed and evasive moves, they can exploit coverage schemes while maximizing distance. Because of their wide fields, they are also less vulnerable to high-velocity hits. Davis, who invented the slot formation, created it as a way to utilize the three-level concept without making wide receivers line up directly next to the line of scrimmage.
A slot receiver can stretch the defense vertically off pure speed, but it must be done with patience and deception. They also must be able to recognize coverage in order to win.
They can be mixed with other types of receivers
The slot receiver is a versatile position in football, lining up between the offensive tackle and widest receiver. Slot receivers are often fast and in good positions for handoffs and catching the football. They are also more difficult to jam than other receivers. They are often grouped with other types of receivers to create mismatches in the coverage.
In American football, slot receivers are often used in flexbone and triple option offenses. In Canadian football, three slot receivers are typical, but there are also situations where two split ends and a running back can be used. In these situations, the slot receiver is not necessarily the best option.
A slot receiver’s primary advantage is forcing the defense to adjust its alignment. Their best corner will have to move to a slot position in order to cover the best receiver. This will cause the defense to match the slot receiver with the third-best corner. This gives slot receivers the opportunity to run out routes and slant routes.