The Slot – Why Slot Wide Receivers Are a Hot Commodity in the NFL Today

slot

The slot is a position in football where players line up pre-snap between the last man on the line of scrimmage (usually a tight end or offensive tackle) and the outside receiver. They’re a versatile player who can run routes, catch short passes, and block more than most wide receivers.

Slots are a hot commodity in the NFL today, and every team has at least one receiver that thrives in this position. The slot receiver is a very important part of the offense, and it’s essential that they have a good relationship with the quarterback and are aware of which defenders are where on the field.

When a slot receiver isn’t on the same page with the quarterback, they have a hard time running routes and timing plays. They also need to be able to read the defense and know where they can go on the field.

In 1963, Al Davis, a former assistant coach for Sid Gillman, took over as head coach for the Oakland Raiders and changed the game of football with the invention of the slot formation. This allowed Davis to set two wide receivers on the weak side of the defense and attack all three levels — the line of scrimmage, linebackers, and secondary.

The slot has many different names, but it’s most commonly used to refer to the wide receiver position. The position is popular because of its versatility, which gives the quarterback a reliable and versatile option when throwing the ball. Plus, it provides the offense with an extra blocker when running the ball outside.