Slot Receivers in the NFL

A slot is a narrow notch, groove, or opening. It could be a keyway in a piece of machinery, the slit for a coin in a vending machine, or the space where a seat belt slides into place in a car. Slots can also refer to time slots in a calendar, schedule, or program.

The NFL’s slot receiver is a vital position, and teams have been relying on them more and more in recent seasons. They are shorter and quicker than traditional wide receivers and line up closer to the formation. This makes them hard to defend, and some slot receivers are more prolific than their No. 1 or No. 2 receivers. Tyreek Hill, Cole Beasley, and Keenan Allen are just a few examples.

Often, slot receivers are used as blocking wideouts on running plays. They are also important for blitz pickups, as they are close to the line of scrimmage and can help protect the running back or secondary players. However, some slot receivers are asked to run routes as well. This is because they are usually the second-most targeted receiver on a team’s offense, and can provide an extra target for quarterbacks to throw to.

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