The slot receiver is a versatile type of wide receiver. In addition to their traditional role as a wide receiver, they can be a running back or a blocker. Regardless of their position, a slot receiver must be agile and elusive. This article will help you find out more about the role of a slot receiver.

Slot receivers are a type of receiver

A slot receiver is a type of receiver who lines up in the slot and creates mismatches in the middle of the field. NFL offenses are increasingly dependent on this position, and the role of slot receivers is becoming more versatile. Today, NFL teams utilize both vertical and horizontal slot receivers to create mismatches in the middle of the field.

Slot receivers are typically smaller than typical wideouts, ranging from five to 10 inches tall and weighing between 170-190 pounds. These receivers are expected to take hits and are often relied upon to pick up third-down yardage. This role has also helped slot receivers earn significant money in recent years.

They can be a blocker or a running back

A slotback can play a variety of roles on the field. A hybrid running back/receiver, slotbacks are often used to block defensive players who break through the line of scrimmage in order to protect the quarterback. They can also be used as a wide receiver in certain situations.

The NFL has shifted towards a pass-heavy offense, and the slot back position has become more popular as a result. Players like Percy Harvin and D’Anthony Thomas have developed into versatile players.

They can be mixed with other types of receivers

In fantasy football, the slot receiver is often mixed with other types of receivers. It used to be that a slot receiver played exclusively for the offense, but nowadays, teams mix slot receivers with other types of receivers. The most prominent slot receiver in the NFL is Cooper Kupp. He has emerged as Jared Goff’s favorite target and is considered the best slot option in the NFL. Adam Thielen, a former Minnesota Viking, battled injuries throughout the year but was still a good slot weapon.

A slot receiver works off the line of scrimmage and is often matched up against the opponent’s third cornerback. These receivers are usually quick and small but have good physical size and are used on second and third downs to gain crucial yardage. Today’s spread passing offenses allow more flexibility with the use of slots and other receivers.

They need to be elusive

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They can stretch the defense vertically

A slot receiver can stretch the defense vertically and create space by breaking in behind the MLB. The backside defender can’t pass off the receiver too early, so the Slot WR should be able to make some short breaks and break 10-15 yards to the left or right. The weakside LB must maintain leverage against the Slot WR and avoid a crosser.

Another vertical concept is the spread offense. In a spread offense, the quarterback can isolate the receiver against an overmatched defender. This makes the defense have to take two guys instead of one. This strategy makes it easier for the offense to land a knockdown punch by throwing over the defense.