Slot receivers are an essential part of the NFL, allowing quarterbacks to stretch the field and attack all three levels of the defense. A slot receiver must have a number of different skills to be successful in this position.
They need to be fast and tough enough to absorb contact in the middle of the field and blow past defenders before they get to the ball. They also need to be able to read the defense well and understand where their defenders are at all times.
The slot receiver is a hot commodity in the NFL, especially on certain teams. Tyreek Hill, Cole Beasley, Keenan Allen and Tyler Lockett have all benefited from their ability to run the slot and are incredibly difficult to defend.
A slot receiver must have chemistry with the quarterback, too. Having good timing and understanding of the quarterback’s playbook can make or break a slot receiver’s success.
Having a strong awareness of the defense and knowing where their defenders are at all times can help a slot receiver in route running and timing plays as well. Having an advanced ability to block is also important, as they don’t usually have an extra wide receiver on the play and must fill in for that role.
When a slot receiver is good at all of these skills, they are a great weapon in the NFL. But, like any player, slot receivers can become overwhelmed by their success and need to set limits before they start to lose control.
