The Slot is a position on the football field that’s becoming more and more popular in today’s game. They typically line up a few steps behind the line of scrimmage and are able to run routes that go up, out, and even to both the outside & inside. They’re very versatile and must have excellent chemistry with the quarterback to succeed.
Many of the top receivers in the NFL spend some time in the slot. Tyreek Hill, Cole Beasley, and Keenan Allen are just a few examples. These receivers can be very hard to defend when they’re in the right spot on the field.
Slot receivers must have a variety of skills to be successful, but they’re especially important in route running and blocking. They need to be quick and have great hands, but they also need to be able to run precise routes. They’re usually a little shorter and smaller than outside wide receivers, so they must be able to get open quickly and avoid big hits from defenders trying to cover them.
When they’re not catching the ball, Slot receivers are often blockers for running plays. They help to pick up blitzes from linebackers & secondary players, allowing the running back to run free. They also provide protection on outside run plays, such as sweeps or slants. When they’re not blocking, Slot receivers can also act as a decoy to draw the defense away from the ball carrier.