Slot receivers are a hot commodity in the NFL today, and for good reason. They are versatile and difficult to defend, making them a necessary cog in every offense’s playbook.

They run many different routes, and need to have excellent chemistry with their quarterback. They also need to know where defenders are on the field, and how to use their speed to get past them when running a go route.

When they’re not catching the ball, they’ll be blocking – They need to have advanced blocking skills. This is especially important for running plays designed to the outside part of the field, where they’ll need to block nickelbacks, outside linebackers, and safeties.

These skills help them keep the ball out of the hands of defenders, which is crucial for their ability to be a go-to receiver. They’re also known to be good at absorbing contact.

They’re tougher than wide receivers – Slot receivers are drafted and signed as wide receivers, but they generally earn the title of slot receiver due to their specific skill set. They’re fast, strong, and tough, which helps them absorb a lot of contact when they’re catching the ball in the slot area.

A good slot receiver can get the ball out of their hands quickly, which is a big advantage for an offensive team that uses them often in pass protection. They’re also very accurate, so they can be a valuable addition to the passing game.