Read on Twitter
Danny Amendola isn't the first slot receiver with a poor athletic profile to find success in the NFL, and I doubt he'll be the last.
The most successful of which was, of course, Wes Welker. For a period of time, Welker was the unquestioned route running king from the slot.
The most successful of which was, of course, Wes Welker. For a period of time, Welker was the unquestioned route running king from the slot.
It would be convenient to just say that athletic testing doesn't matter, but y'all been following me long enough to know that isn't the case. only 12 of the 83 receivers who made a pro bowl and 17 of the 116 1,000 yard receivers who also had a #RAS were below 5.00.
So why IS it that there seems to be more slot guys with poor profiles who do well in the NFL? Jarvis Landry did it. Welker did. Amendola did.
It's probably a lot simpler than that.
Part of it likely has to deal with the type of routes ran from the slot vs outside and the type and quality of coverage faced.
Slot receivers aren't generally the #1 target in an offense, and they do most of their work within the first five yards.
Slot receivers aren't generally the #1 target in an offense, and they do most of their work within the first five yards.
So it's easier to isolate a slot receiver on a linebacker in zone and it's easier to get a quick pass off in general since the pass is shorter.
So why does that mean guys with lesser athletic traits can find a role there?
So why does that mean guys with lesser athletic traits can find a role there?
It's not that it's an advantage, it's more that it's less of a disadvantage. That means the OTHER positive traits a receiver can have, sure hands, great route running, zone awareness, etc, all stand out more.
