Top Slot Receivers Of All Time
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In the 2019 regular and postseason, per Pro Football Focus data, slot receivers regardless of position (receivers, running backs, and tight ends) accounted for 32% of all targets, 31.6% of all receptions, 32.3% of all receiving yardage, and 34.3% of all receiving touchdowns. In a league where the three-receiver set is by far the default formation (it happened on 69% of all snaps last season, per Sports Info Solutions), having a versatile and productive slot receiver is an absolute necessity in the modern passing game.
*Slot Receiver Size
*Top Slot Receivers Of All Time Now
*Top Slot Receivers Of All Time Leaders
*Top Slot Receivers Of All Time Nba
*Top Slot Receivers Of All Time Zone
Despite making the worst trade of all time involving their All-Pro wide receiver, the Texans aren’t a complete train wreck at the position. They’re in better shape with a quartet of Will Fuller. Lorenzo Neal was the greatest blocking fullback of all time. Between 1993 and 2008, Neal paved the way for Warrick Dunn, Eddie George, Corey Dillon, and LaDainian Tomlinson. In fact, Neal bludgeoned linebackers and shielded the edge to lead a 1,000-yard rusher into the clear for 11 straight years.
Moreover, there is no one kind of slot receiver in the modern NFL. It used to be that you wanted the shorter, smaller guy inside, and your bigger, more physical receivers on the outside. Then, offensive coaches started to realize that by putting bigger receivers and tight ends in the slot, you could create mismatches with slower linebackers and smaller slot cornerbacks. Teams countered this by acquiring linebackers built like safeties, eager to do more than just chase after run fits, and also by moving their best cornerbacks into the slot in certain situations.
*For slot receivers, it was 11.63. So, over time and based on the play design and the makeup of the receivers, teams could find just that many more yards by throwing to their slot targets. The best slot receivers in the game bring unique and highly valuable traits to the game, and here are the best among them.
*Wes Welker is considered by many as the greatest slot receiver of all-time. Though I think nothing ill of that notion, the man did have Tom Brady and Peyton Manning at his disposal.
*Isaiah Ford began the season as Miami’s starting slot receiver, and his evolution helped him become one of Ryan Fitzpatrick’s favorite targets, but he was traded, giving Malcolm Perry the role.
Now that offensive and defensive coaches have worked hard to create as many schematic and personnel ties in the slot as possible, the best slot receivers are the ones who consistently show the ideal characteristics for the position. These receivers know how to exploit defenders who don’t have a boundary to help them — they’ll create inside and outside position to move the defender where they want him to go. They understand the value and precision of the option route, and how you can hang a defender out to dry with a simple “if this/then that” equation based on coverage rules. They know how to work in concert with their outside receivers to create route combinations which create impossible math problems for defenses. And they know how to get open in quick spaces.
But don’t automatically assume that slot receivers are just taking the dink-and-dunk routes — they’re actually tasked to catch everything from quick slants to vertical stuff down the seam and up the numbers. Last season, per PFF data, the NFL average for yards per completion for outside receivers was 11.28. For slot receivers, it was 11.63. So, over time and based on the play design and the makeup of the receivers, teams could find just that many more yards by throwing to their slot targets.
The best slot receivers in the game bring unique and highly valuable traits to the game, and here are the best among them.
More Top 11 lists: Slot defenders | Outside cornerbacks | Safeties | Linebackers | Edge defenders | Interior defensive linemen | Offensive tackles| Offensive guards | Centers | Outside ReceiversHonorable Mentions
Had we dropped the qualifying floor to under 50% slot snaps, two guys would have easily made it — Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans, and Baltimore’s Marquise Goodwin. Evans led all slot receivers with at least 25 targets with a passer rating when targeted of 151.3, and Brown was an absolute force against defenses in the slot — especially when he was using his speed in empty formations.
San Francisco’s Deebo Samuel, who was probably the MVP of the first half of Super Bowl LIV before things started to go backward for his team, would have received a mention as well — Samuel had just 33 targets, but caught 28 of them and helped his quarterback to a 135.3 rating when he was targeted in the slot. Kansas City speed receiver Mecole Hardman had just 23 a lot targets, but he was also highly efficient with them, helping his quarterbacks to a 133.9 rating. Though Danny Amendola was the only Lions receiver to make the 50% threshold, both Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay were highly efficient when tasked to move inside. Other former slot stars like Tyreek Hill of the Chiefs and Minnesota’s Adam Thielen saw their roles change more to the outside in 2019 from previous seasons.
Of the receivers who actually qualified, Nelson Agholor of the Eagles was quietly efficient and had just two drops in the slot last season — which would go against several memes on the subject. Buffalo’s Cole Beasley just missed the cut, through he was one of several receivers on the Bills’ roster who didn’t always get the accuracy and efficiency they deserved from quarterback Josh Allen. And though Randall Cobb was productive for the Cowboys last season and should be so for the Texans in 2020, his nine drops as a slot man… well, we can only have one guy with nine slot drops on this list. More on that in a minute.
Now, on to the top 11.
Willie Snead IV | Julian Edelman | Tyler Boyd | Jared Cook | Golden Tate | Keenan Allen | Larry Fitzgerald | Allen Robinson | Cooper Kupp | Chris Godwin | Tyler Lockett © Provided by Touchdown Wire
In the 2019 regular and postseason, per Pro Football Focus data, slot receivers regardless of position (receivers, running backs, and tight ends) accounted for 32% of all targets, 31.6% of all receptions, 32.3% of all receiving yardage, and 34.3% of all receiving touchdowns. In a league where the three-receiver set is by far the default formation (it happened on 69% of all snaps last season, per Sports Info Solutions), having a versatile and productive slot receiver is an absolute necessity in the modern passing game.
Moreover, there is no one kind of slot receiver in the modern NFL. It used to be that you wanted the shorter, smaller guy inside, and your bigger, more physical receivers on the outside. Then, offensive coaches started to realize that by putting bigger receivers and tight ends in the slot, you could create mismatches with slower linebackers and smaller slot cornerbacks. Teams countered this by acquiring linebackers built like safeties, eager to do more than just chase after run fits, and also by moving their best cornerbacks into the slot in certain situations.
Now that offensive and defensive coaches have worked hard to create as many schematic and personnel ties in the slot as possible, the best slot receivers are the ones who consistently show the ideal characteristics for the position. These receivers know how to exploit defenders who don’t have a boundary to help them — they’ll create inside and outside position to move the defender where they want him to go. They understand the value and precision of the option route, and how you can hang a defender out to dry with a simple “if this/then that” equation based on coverage rules. They know how to work in concert with their outside receivers to create route combinations which create impossible math problems for defenses. And they know how to get open in quick spaces.
But don’t automatically assume that slot receivers are just taking the dink-and-dunk routes — they’re actually tasked to catch everything from quick slants to vertical stuff down the seam and up the numbers. Last season, per PFF data, the NFL average for yards per completion for outside receivers was 11.28. For slot receivers, it was 11.63. So, over time and based on the play design and the makeup of the receivers, teams could find just that many more yards by throwing to their slot targets.
The best slot receivers in the game bring unique and highly valuable traits to the game, and here are the best among them.
More Top 11 lists: Slot defenders | Outside cornerbacks | Safeties | Linebackers | Edge defenders | Interior defensive linemen | Offensive tackles| Offensive guards | Centers | Outside ReceiversHonorable Mentions© Provided by Touchdown Wire
(Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports)
Had we dropped the qualifying floor to under 50% slot snaps, two guys would have easily made it — Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans, and Baltimore’s Marquise Goodwin. Evans led all slot receivers with at least 25 targets with a passer rating when targeted of 151.3, and Brown was an absolute force against defenses in the slot — especially when he was using his speed in empty formations.
Lamar Jackson led the NFL with six touchdown passes out of empty formations last season. Because when you have to spy the QB, and you’re facing one-on-one across, and the QB can drop it in like this, and you’re catching up to Marquise Brown.. well, yikes. pic.twitter.com/DIaEfbInQo— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 24, 2020
San Francisco’s Deebo Samuel, who was probably the MVP of the first half of Super Bowl LIV before things started to go backward for his team, would have received a mention as well — Samuel had just 33 targets, but caught 28 of them and helped his quarterback to a 135.3 rating when he was targeted in the slot. Kansas City speed receiver Mecole Hardman had just 23 a lot targets, but he was also highly efficient with them, helping his quarterbacks to a 133.9 rating. Though Danny Amendola was the only Lions receiver to make the 50% threshold, both Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay were highly efficient when tasked to move inside. Other former slot stars like Tyreek Hill of the Chiefs and Minnesota’s Adam Thielen saw their roles change more to the outside in 2019 from previous seasons.
Of the receivers who actually qualified, Nelson Agholor of the Eagles was quietly efficient and had just two drops in the slot last season — which would go against several memes on the subject. Buffalo’s Cole Beasley just missed the cut, through he was one of several receivers on the Bills’ roster who didn’t always get the accuracy and efficiency they deserved from quarterback Josh Allen. And though Randall Cobb was productive for the Cowboys last season and should be so for the Texans in 2020, his nine drops as a slot man… well, we can only have one guy with nine slot drops on this list. More on that in a minute.
Now, on to the top 11.
Willie Snead IV | Julian Edelman | Tyler Boyd | Jared Cook | Golden Tate | Keenan Allen | Larry Fitzgerald | Allen Robinson | Cooper Kupp | Chris Godwin | Tyler Lockett 11. Willie Snead IV, Baltimore Ravens© Provided by Touchdown Wire
(Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports)
Last October, the Ravens signed Snead to a one-year, $6 million extension that will have him on the roster through the 2020 season. In 2019, he caught just 31 regular-season passes for 339 yards and five touchdowns, but he did have a bit of a bust-out game against the Titans in Baltimore’s divisional round upset loss. Rimowa koffer. There, he caught six passes on eight targets for 56 yards.
Snead brought in all five of those touchdowns as a slot target, as well as 31 of his receptions for 381 yards. When targeted by Lamar Jackson last season in the slot, Snead allowed his MVP quarterback to put up a rating of 116.3, one of the highest marks in the league.
Snead is a bit of a throwback slot target. The undrafted free agent out of Ball State put himself on the map in 2015 and 2016 as a productive member of the Saints’ offense. He’s not the biggest guy at 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds, but he’s able to win against coverage because he has the skills required at the slot receiver position — everything from surprising speed to the ability to sell and break in and out of routes. Snead isn’t flashy, but he’s productive as an inside target when given the chance.
Marquise Brown was the Ravens’ more explosive slot target, and Mark Andrews was big as a slot TE, but Willie Snead showed great command of the subtleties of the slot position in 2019. Using leverage to create space for the quarterback. pic.twitter.com/eWNu8uUU6R— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 24, 202010. Julian Edelman, New England Patriots© Provided by Touchdown Wire
(David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)
Last season, Edelman led all slot receivers in targets (102) and receptions (70), and he’s been one of the most productive slot targets of his era. He was also the one receiver on the Patriots’ roster who could get any level of separation against opposing defenders. So, why does he rank 10th here?
Several reasons. Edelman had the league’s most opportunities to succeed as a slot target, but he ranked fifth in slot yardage with 759, he caught just four touchdown passes, and he tied for the league lead with nine drops from the slot position — Dallas’ Randall Cobb was the other culprit there. Now, there can be several different reasons for dropped passes. Receivers will be dinged at times for their inability to catch helium balls and wormburners from less than accurate quarterbacks. And it’s not as if Tom Brady was the Tom Brady of old in 2019, but when we say that Brady didn’t get any help from his receivers, that includes Edelman.
As NESN’s Doug Kyed pointed out in 2018, Edelman’s drop issues are nothing new, but in 2019… well, the tape shows some real howlers.
So.. I’m Team Edelman and all that, and I know New England’s passing game was a hot mess last season, and his drop rate has been an issue for a while.. but 2019 was specifically UGLY. pic.twitter.com/pubRviH04l— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 24, 2020
At age 34, Edelman is a high-volume receiver who shows up well in standard counting stats — his 1,117 overall yards in 2019 marked a career high, and his 100 total catches was the second-highest total of his career. But there are base numbers, and there is true efficiency and value, and it’s no surprise that Edelman ranked 55th among qualifying receivers in Football Outsiders’ season-cumulative efficiency metrics, and 62nd in per-play efficiency. It could be that time is running out for the veteran unless there’s a turnaround in 2020.9. Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals© Provided by Touchdown Wire
(Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports)
First overall pick Joe Burrow will have to ramp things up quickly without any offseason programs to date in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, but he’s got a pretty decent receiver group in Cincinnati, especially if A.J. Green can stay healthy. Perhaps the biggest reason for excitement for Burrow should be Tyler Boyd, the 2016 second-round pick out of Pittsburgh who set career highs with 90 catches and 1,046 yards in 2019. And as a slot target, Boyd proved to be one of the NFL’s best for Ryan Finley and Andy Dalton. One wonders what he’ll be able to do with Burrow’s refined accuracy and velocity.
Sometimes, you can cover a guy well, and you still have to take the ’L.’ Miami’s Nik Needham learned that when Bengals slot receiver Tyler Boyd did the damn thing. pic.twitter.com/1ZYbuICGqa— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 24, 2020
In 2019, Boyd caught 57 passes from the slot on 88 targets for 776 yards, two touchdowns, and a passer rating of 86.0 when targeted by two quartebacks who probably shouldn’t have been starters. Now, give him Burrow as a quarterback, and watch Boyd cook at a different level.8. Jared Cook, New Orleans Saints© Provided by Touchdown Wire
(Chuck Cook -USA TODAY Sports)
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Yes, tight ends can be slot receivers, too. And among all the slot targets on our list, nobody afforded his quarterbacks a higher passer rating than Cook did at 133.9. Cook caught 30 passes on 43 targets when detached from the formation for 482 yards and five touchdowns. Cook did drop four passes, but when he did take the ball in, he was a big play waiting to happen at 6-foot-5 and 254 pounds.
Jared Cook Is A Really Big Guy And You Should Wrap-Tackle Him: The first in a series pic.twitter.com/02dAue2r8g— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 24, 2020
Return of the Son of Jared Cook Is A Really Big Guy And You Should Wrap-Tackle Him pic.twitter.com/TLuqB8ZJiw— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 24, 2020
Cook isn’t the fleetest of foot at age 33, and he missed time with a concussion in 2019, but in New Orleans’ offense, he gives Drew Brees an imposing target, especially after the catch. Just ask all the poor defensive backs Cook threw aside last season like so many five-pound sacks of potatoes.7. Golden Tate, New York Giants© Provided by Touchdown Wire
(Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)
Per Sports Info Solutions, Giants quarterback Daniel Jones threw 10 touchdowns to his slot receivers in 2019, and Tate caught five of those, with 41 catches on 67 targets for 552 yards. As has been the case throughout his career, Tate was able to get open on those plays with a nice combination of speed through the route and the strength to separate, but over the last few years, his route awareness — a problem during his time in Seattle — has really advanced.
Listening to Chris Cornell’s version of GNR’s ’Patience’ when rolling through Golden Tate plays, and was struck by the patience he showed here in getting open.
You’ll have to forgive Rasul Douglas for the PI call -- he was just tryin’ to get it right. pic.twitter.com/RxAzCnbwz3— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 24, 2020
Tate’s first season with the Giants was marred by a four-game PED suspension and concussion issues, but over a full season, one can imagine that he’ll be an even more major part of the Giants’ passing offense, especially in the slot. An important position for a team that led the league with 25 passing touchdowns in three-receiver sets.6. Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers© Provided by Touchdown Wire
(Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Allen has been known as one of the NFL’s premiere route-runners almost from the moment he started in the league in 2013 as a third-round pick out of Cal. Allen caught a career-high 104 passes in 2019, and 54 of those, on 71 targets, came in the slot. Allen gained 587 yards and scored three touchdowns from the slot and allowed Philip Rivers to amass a quarterback rating of 92.0 when targeting him inside. That’s pretty efficient when you consider that Rivers threw 11 interceptions to just nine touchdowns overall when throwing to his slot targets.
Everything that makes Allen a great overall receiver comes into play in the slot. He ca
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In the 2019 regular and postseason, per Pro Football Focus data, slot receivers regardless of position (receivers, running backs, and tight ends) accounted for 32% of all targets, 31.6% of all receptions, 32.3% of all receiving yardage, and 34.3% of all receiving touchdowns. In a league where the three-receiver set is by far the default formation (it happened on 69% of all snaps last season, per Sports Info Solutions), having a versatile and productive slot receiver is an absolute necessity in the modern passing game.
*Slot Receiver Size
*Top Slot Receivers Of All Time Now
*Top Slot Receivers Of All Time Leaders
*Top Slot Receivers Of All Time Nba
*Top Slot Receivers Of All Time Zone
Despite making the worst trade of all time involving their All-Pro wide receiver, the Texans aren’t a complete train wreck at the position. They’re in better shape with a quartet of Will Fuller. Lorenzo Neal was the greatest blocking fullback of all time. Between 1993 and 2008, Neal paved the way for Warrick Dunn, Eddie George, Corey Dillon, and LaDainian Tomlinson. In fact, Neal bludgeoned linebackers and shielded the edge to lead a 1,000-yard rusher into the clear for 11 straight years.
Moreover, there is no one kind of slot receiver in the modern NFL. It used to be that you wanted the shorter, smaller guy inside, and your bigger, more physical receivers on the outside. Then, offensive coaches started to realize that by putting bigger receivers and tight ends in the slot, you could create mismatches with slower linebackers and smaller slot cornerbacks. Teams countered this by acquiring linebackers built like safeties, eager to do more than just chase after run fits, and also by moving their best cornerbacks into the slot in certain situations.
*For slot receivers, it was 11.63. So, over time and based on the play design and the makeup of the receivers, teams could find just that many more yards by throwing to their slot targets. The best slot receivers in the game bring unique and highly valuable traits to the game, and here are the best among them.
*Wes Welker is considered by many as the greatest slot receiver of all-time. Though I think nothing ill of that notion, the man did have Tom Brady and Peyton Manning at his disposal.
*Isaiah Ford began the season as Miami’s starting slot receiver, and his evolution helped him become one of Ryan Fitzpatrick’s favorite targets, but he was traded, giving Malcolm Perry the role.
Now that offensive and defensive coaches have worked hard to create as many schematic and personnel ties in the slot as possible, the best slot receivers are the ones who consistently show the ideal characteristics for the position. These receivers know how to exploit defenders who don’t have a boundary to help them — they’ll create inside and outside position to move the defender where they want him to go. They understand the value and precision of the option route, and how you can hang a defender out to dry with a simple “if this/then that” equation based on coverage rules. They know how to work in concert with their outside receivers to create route combinations which create impossible math problems for defenses. And they know how to get open in quick spaces.
But don’t automatically assume that slot receivers are just taking the dink-and-dunk routes — they’re actually tasked to catch everything from quick slants to vertical stuff down the seam and up the numbers. Last season, per PFF data, the NFL average for yards per completion for outside receivers was 11.28. For slot receivers, it was 11.63. So, over time and based on the play design and the makeup of the receivers, teams could find just that many more yards by throwing to their slot targets.
The best slot receivers in the game bring unique and highly valuable traits to the game, and here are the best among them.
More Top 11 lists: Slot defenders | Outside cornerbacks | Safeties | Linebackers | Edge defenders | Interior defensive linemen | Offensive tackles| Offensive guards | Centers | Outside ReceiversHonorable Mentions
Had we dropped the qualifying floor to under 50% slot snaps, two guys would have easily made it — Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans, and Baltimore’s Marquise Goodwin. Evans led all slot receivers with at least 25 targets with a passer rating when targeted of 151.3, and Brown was an absolute force against defenses in the slot — especially when he was using his speed in empty formations.
San Francisco’s Deebo Samuel, who was probably the MVP of the first half of Super Bowl LIV before things started to go backward for his team, would have received a mention as well — Samuel had just 33 targets, but caught 28 of them and helped his quarterback to a 135.3 rating when he was targeted in the slot. Kansas City speed receiver Mecole Hardman had just 23 a lot targets, but he was also highly efficient with them, helping his quarterbacks to a 133.9 rating. Though Danny Amendola was the only Lions receiver to make the 50% threshold, both Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay were highly efficient when tasked to move inside. Other former slot stars like Tyreek Hill of the Chiefs and Minnesota’s Adam Thielen saw their roles change more to the outside in 2019 from previous seasons.
Of the receivers who actually qualified, Nelson Agholor of the Eagles was quietly efficient and had just two drops in the slot last season — which would go against several memes on the subject. Buffalo’s Cole Beasley just missed the cut, through he was one of several receivers on the Bills’ roster who didn’t always get the accuracy and efficiency they deserved from quarterback Josh Allen. And though Randall Cobb was productive for the Cowboys last season and should be so for the Texans in 2020, his nine drops as a slot man… well, we can only have one guy with nine slot drops on this list. More on that in a minute.
Now, on to the top 11.
Willie Snead IV | Julian Edelman | Tyler Boyd | Jared Cook | Golden Tate | Keenan Allen | Larry Fitzgerald | Allen Robinson | Cooper Kupp | Chris Godwin | Tyler Lockett © Provided by Touchdown Wire
In the 2019 regular and postseason, per Pro Football Focus data, slot receivers regardless of position (receivers, running backs, and tight ends) accounted for 32% of all targets, 31.6% of all receptions, 32.3% of all receiving yardage, and 34.3% of all receiving touchdowns. In a league where the three-receiver set is by far the default formation (it happened on 69% of all snaps last season, per Sports Info Solutions), having a versatile and productive slot receiver is an absolute necessity in the modern passing game.
Moreover, there is no one kind of slot receiver in the modern NFL. It used to be that you wanted the shorter, smaller guy inside, and your bigger, more physical receivers on the outside. Then, offensive coaches started to realize that by putting bigger receivers and tight ends in the slot, you could create mismatches with slower linebackers and smaller slot cornerbacks. Teams countered this by acquiring linebackers built like safeties, eager to do more than just chase after run fits, and also by moving their best cornerbacks into the slot in certain situations.
Now that offensive and defensive coaches have worked hard to create as many schematic and personnel ties in the slot as possible, the best slot receivers are the ones who consistently show the ideal characteristics for the position. These receivers know how to exploit defenders who don’t have a boundary to help them — they’ll create inside and outside position to move the defender where they want him to go. They understand the value and precision of the option route, and how you can hang a defender out to dry with a simple “if this/then that” equation based on coverage rules. They know how to work in concert with their outside receivers to create route combinations which create impossible math problems for defenses. And they know how to get open in quick spaces.
But don’t automatically assume that slot receivers are just taking the dink-and-dunk routes — they’re actually tasked to catch everything from quick slants to vertical stuff down the seam and up the numbers. Last season, per PFF data, the NFL average for yards per completion for outside receivers was 11.28. For slot receivers, it was 11.63. So, over time and based on the play design and the makeup of the receivers, teams could find just that many more yards by throwing to their slot targets.
The best slot receivers in the game bring unique and highly valuable traits to the game, and here are the best among them.
More Top 11 lists: Slot defenders | Outside cornerbacks | Safeties | Linebackers | Edge defenders | Interior defensive linemen | Offensive tackles| Offensive guards | Centers | Outside ReceiversHonorable Mentions© Provided by Touchdown Wire
(Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports)
Had we dropped the qualifying floor to under 50% slot snaps, two guys would have easily made it — Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans, and Baltimore’s Marquise Goodwin. Evans led all slot receivers with at least 25 targets with a passer rating when targeted of 151.3, and Brown was an absolute force against defenses in the slot — especially when he was using his speed in empty formations.
Lamar Jackson led the NFL with six touchdown passes out of empty formations last season. Because when you have to spy the QB, and you’re facing one-on-one across, and the QB can drop it in like this, and you’re catching up to Marquise Brown.. well, yikes. pic.twitter.com/DIaEfbInQo— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 24, 2020
San Francisco’s Deebo Samuel, who was probably the MVP of the first half of Super Bowl LIV before things started to go backward for his team, would have received a mention as well — Samuel had just 33 targets, but caught 28 of them and helped his quarterback to a 135.3 rating when he was targeted in the slot. Kansas City speed receiver Mecole Hardman had just 23 a lot targets, but he was also highly efficient with them, helping his quarterbacks to a 133.9 rating. Though Danny Amendola was the only Lions receiver to make the 50% threshold, both Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay were highly efficient when tasked to move inside. Other former slot stars like Tyreek Hill of the Chiefs and Minnesota’s Adam Thielen saw their roles change more to the outside in 2019 from previous seasons.
Of the receivers who actually qualified, Nelson Agholor of the Eagles was quietly efficient and had just two drops in the slot last season — which would go against several memes on the subject. Buffalo’s Cole Beasley just missed the cut, through he was one of several receivers on the Bills’ roster who didn’t always get the accuracy and efficiency they deserved from quarterback Josh Allen. And though Randall Cobb was productive for the Cowboys last season and should be so for the Texans in 2020, his nine drops as a slot man… well, we can only have one guy with nine slot drops on this list. More on that in a minute.
Now, on to the top 11.
Willie Snead IV | Julian Edelman | Tyler Boyd | Jared Cook | Golden Tate | Keenan Allen | Larry Fitzgerald | Allen Robinson | Cooper Kupp | Chris Godwin | Tyler Lockett 11. Willie Snead IV, Baltimore Ravens© Provided by Touchdown Wire
(Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports)
Last October, the Ravens signed Snead to a one-year, $6 million extension that will have him on the roster through the 2020 season. In 2019, he caught just 31 regular-season passes for 339 yards and five touchdowns, but he did have a bit of a bust-out game against the Titans in Baltimore’s divisional round upset loss. Rimowa koffer. There, he caught six passes on eight targets for 56 yards.
Snead brought in all five of those touchdowns as a slot target, as well as 31 of his receptions for 381 yards. When targeted by Lamar Jackson last season in the slot, Snead allowed his MVP quarterback to put up a rating of 116.3, one of the highest marks in the league.
Snead is a bit of a throwback slot target. The undrafted free agent out of Ball State put himself on the map in 2015 and 2016 as a productive member of the Saints’ offense. He’s not the biggest guy at 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds, but he’s able to win against coverage because he has the skills required at the slot receiver position — everything from surprising speed to the ability to sell and break in and out of routes. Snead isn’t flashy, but he’s productive as an inside target when given the chance.
Marquise Brown was the Ravens’ more explosive slot target, and Mark Andrews was big as a slot TE, but Willie Snead showed great command of the subtleties of the slot position in 2019. Using leverage to create space for the quarterback. pic.twitter.com/eWNu8uUU6R— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 24, 202010. Julian Edelman, New England Patriots© Provided by Touchdown Wire
(David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)
Last season, Edelman led all slot receivers in targets (102) and receptions (70), and he’s been one of the most productive slot targets of his era. He was also the one receiver on the Patriots’ roster who could get any level of separation against opposing defenders. So, why does he rank 10th here?
Several reasons. Edelman had the league’s most opportunities to succeed as a slot target, but he ranked fifth in slot yardage with 759, he caught just four touchdown passes, and he tied for the league lead with nine drops from the slot position — Dallas’ Randall Cobb was the other culprit there. Now, there can be several different reasons for dropped passes. Receivers will be dinged at times for their inability to catch helium balls and wormburners from less than accurate quarterbacks. And it’s not as if Tom Brady was the Tom Brady of old in 2019, but when we say that Brady didn’t get any help from his receivers, that includes Edelman.
As NESN’s Doug Kyed pointed out in 2018, Edelman’s drop issues are nothing new, but in 2019… well, the tape shows some real howlers.
So.. I’m Team Edelman and all that, and I know New England’s passing game was a hot mess last season, and his drop rate has been an issue for a while.. but 2019 was specifically UGLY. pic.twitter.com/pubRviH04l— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 24, 2020
At age 34, Edelman is a high-volume receiver who shows up well in standard counting stats — his 1,117 overall yards in 2019 marked a career high, and his 100 total catches was the second-highest total of his career. But there are base numbers, and there is true efficiency and value, and it’s no surprise that Edelman ranked 55th among qualifying receivers in Football Outsiders’ season-cumulative efficiency metrics, and 62nd in per-play efficiency. It could be that time is running out for the veteran unless there’s a turnaround in 2020.9. Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals© Provided by Touchdown Wire
(Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports)
First overall pick Joe Burrow will have to ramp things up quickly without any offseason programs to date in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, but he’s got a pretty decent receiver group in Cincinnati, especially if A.J. Green can stay healthy. Perhaps the biggest reason for excitement for Burrow should be Tyler Boyd, the 2016 second-round pick out of Pittsburgh who set career highs with 90 catches and 1,046 yards in 2019. And as a slot target, Boyd proved to be one of the NFL’s best for Ryan Finley and Andy Dalton. One wonders what he’ll be able to do with Burrow’s refined accuracy and velocity.
Sometimes, you can cover a guy well, and you still have to take the ’L.’ Miami’s Nik Needham learned that when Bengals slot receiver Tyler Boyd did the damn thing. pic.twitter.com/1ZYbuICGqa— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 24, 2020
In 2019, Boyd caught 57 passes from the slot on 88 targets for 776 yards, two touchdowns, and a passer rating of 86.0 when targeted by two quartebacks who probably shouldn’t have been starters. Now, give him Burrow as a quarterback, and watch Boyd cook at a different level.8. Jared Cook, New Orleans Saints© Provided by Touchdown Wire
(Chuck Cook -USA TODAY Sports)
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Yes, tight ends can be slot receivers, too. And among all the slot targets on our list, nobody afforded his quarterbacks a higher passer rating than Cook did at 133.9. Cook caught 30 passes on 43 targets when detached from the formation for 482 yards and five touchdowns. Cook did drop four passes, but when he did take the ball in, he was a big play waiting to happen at 6-foot-5 and 254 pounds.
Jared Cook Is A Really Big Guy And You Should Wrap-Tackle Him: The first in a series pic.twitter.com/02dAue2r8g— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 24, 2020
Return of the Son of Jared Cook Is A Really Big Guy And You Should Wrap-Tackle Him pic.twitter.com/TLuqB8ZJiw— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 24, 2020
Cook isn’t the fleetest of foot at age 33, and he missed time with a concussion in 2019, but in New Orleans’ offense, he gives Drew Brees an imposing target, especially after the catch. Just ask all the poor defensive backs Cook threw aside last season like so many five-pound sacks of potatoes.7. Golden Tate, New York Giants© Provided by Touchdown Wire
(Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)
Per Sports Info Solutions, Giants quarterback Daniel Jones threw 10 touchdowns to his slot receivers in 2019, and Tate caught five of those, with 41 catches on 67 targets for 552 yards. As has been the case throughout his career, Tate was able to get open on those plays with a nice combination of speed through the route and the strength to separate, but over the last few years, his route awareness — a problem during his time in Seattle — has really advanced.
Listening to Chris Cornell’s version of GNR’s ’Patience’ when rolling through Golden Tate plays, and was struck by the patience he showed here in getting open.
You’ll have to forgive Rasul Douglas for the PI call -- he was just tryin’ to get it right. pic.twitter.com/RxAzCnbwz3— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 24, 2020
Tate’s first season with the Giants was marred by a four-game PED suspension and concussion issues, but over a full season, one can imagine that he’ll be an even more major part of the Giants’ passing offense, especially in the slot. An important position for a team that led the league with 25 passing touchdowns in three-receiver sets.6. Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers© Provided by Touchdown Wire
(Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Allen has been known as one of the NFL’s premiere route-runners almost from the moment he started in the league in 2013 as a third-round pick out of Cal. Allen caught a career-high 104 passes in 2019, and 54 of those, on 71 targets, came in the slot. Allen gained 587 yards and scored three touchdowns from the slot and allowed Philip Rivers to amass a quarterback rating of 92.0 when targeting him inside. That’s pretty efficient when you consider that Rivers threw 11 interceptions to just nine touchdowns overall when throwing to his slot targets.
Everything that makes Allen a great overall receiver comes into play in the slot. He ca
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