NFL Draft: Slot Receivers Dominate Draft Boards, Top 5 Slots Ranked
The slot receiver position has always been one of the most overlooked positions in the NFL. Throughout league history, it has often been grouped in the same category as fullbacks; You need the position, but you may not need them very often.
Slot receivers are known for having smaller, compact frames and used for the short to the intermediate passing game. Teams have typically used their outside guys for stretching the field and perimeter passing.
Although the elite players can switch between the two positions, guys such as Tyreek Hill, Cole Beasley, and others have redefined the position. The slot receiver in today’s NFL can be one of the most versatile guys on the team and may be asked to not only run short routes, but run vertical patterns, and even run the ball. The slot is now more important than ever and teams are figuring out how to maximize the potential.
Coming into the 2021 NFL Draft, the slot receiver position looks to be one of the deepest groups regarding pure talent. After Devonta Smith and Jamar Chase, two of the top-ranked outside receivers, the remainder of viable guys are primarily slot receivers with names such as Jaylen Waddle, Kedarius Toney, and Rondale Moore.
Despite the glaring size and height deficits, the value of super-skilled slot receivers has been proven numerous times. Although every short guy with speed isn’t guaranteed to make it as an all-pro, the consideration of talented slot receivers is undoubtedly essential to an overall successful offense. The difficulty in this draft is deciding which slot receiver deserves the top spot and which will bring long-term value despite questions about size, durability, and versatility.
I am including my Top 5 Slot’s for this upcoming draft and their best team fit.
Jaylen Waddle
Waddle is not only fast, powerful and a well-balanced receiver, he is well-coached and tough as well. Despite his serious ankle injury, he showed signs of a good recovery and his explosive nature remained. His ability to stay healthy will certainly determine his success on the field as he is clearly the best slot receiver in the draft.
Team Fit: Jacksonville Jaguars
Rondale Moore
Moore was one of the best returners in all of college football in 2019 and 2020. Despite having a shortened season in 2020, he had 44 targets with not a single dropped pass. His hands are very impressive and at such a small size, being able to catch the ball while taking contact is an extremely important skill.
Team Fit: Cincinnati Bengals
Tutu Atwell
Atwell tracks the vertical ball well in the slot and is incredibly quick. In some of his biggest conference games, he made game-breaking plays through the air and on the ground. He gets in and out of his routes quickly, but he is not an amazing route runner. Seems to be more of a gadget guy.
Team Fit: Green Bay
Dwayne Eskridge
As a 100-meter track champion in high school, Eskridge knows how to run. His ability to separate from the defense is evident in his film and when he has the ball in his hand, he is special after the catch. Despite being 5’9”, Eskridge has a solid frame unlike smaller frame guys such as Devonte Smith. His size is deceptive, but his ability is surely going to be noticed by scouts.
Team Fit: Eagles
Amari Rodgers
In a stellar final season, Amari Rodgers showed the NFL why he remained a part of the Clemson team despite some character concerns early in his career. Rodgers proved to have extremely sure hands, the ability to look the ball all the way in through contact, and a supreme route-running ability. In the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl, he was the obvious standout, racking in 4 receptions, a touchdown, and an extra point reception.
Team Fit: Patriots
Writer
-By: LeMarkus Bailey