A football team is not complete without a good slot receiver. They give quarterbacks another weapon when throwing the ball and also help on running plays by blocking for other backs. But what exactly is a slot receiver, and how do they differ from a wideout? This article will explain everything you need to know about the position.

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The slot receiver is the second wide receiver on the field, lining up a few yards behind the outside tackle (or tight end). The position was popularized by former Raiders head coach Al Davis in 1963. He wanted his wide receivers to be quick and precise with their routes and timing. He also wanted them to block, which was especially critical on running plays designed to the outside.

On passing plays, the slot receiver runs a variety of routes to both inside and outside the defense, depending on what the offense is calling for. They’re typically shorter and smaller than the other wideouts, so they need to have excellent speed and agility. They also need to be able to run precision routes, as they’re usually not asked to beat coverage with jukes or break tackles.

On running plays, the slot receiver is often a vital blocker for the running back. They’ll chip away at blitzes from linebackers and safeties, as well as provide protection on outside run plays like sweeps or slants. In doing so, they allow the RB to get to the outside of the defense and avoid big hits from the defensive ends. This type of blocking is crucial for slot receivers to have, as it helps the running game succeed and minimizes the risk of injuries. On outside run plays, the slot receiver may also seal off the defensive end to create a one-on-one matchup with a cornerback.