Mar 8, 202311 min read

2023 NFL Draft Prospect Profiles: Slot Wide Receivers

When drafting or signing a wide receiver in the NFL Draft or Free Agency, it is important to know what kind of wide receiver your team is looking for. Not all wide receivers play the same position. That is to say that receivers come in different shapes, with different skill sets, and those skill sets translate to different roles. Here is a breakdown of the three different kinds of wide receivers, and how their skill sets are utilized:

X Wide Receiver

The X receiver is typically the team's primary deep threat and is lined up on the line of scrimmage outside the hash marks. They are often the tallest and most physical wide receivers on the team, and they use their size to outmuscle defenders for jump balls or contested catches. X receivers often run deep routes, such as go-routes, post-routes, and corner routes. They must be able to catch the ball in traffic and have the speed to outrun defenders after the catch.

Z Wide Receiver

The Z receiver is similar to the X receiver but lines up on the line of scrimmage on the opposite side of the field. They also often run deep routes, but may also run intermediate or crossing routes. Z receivers are typically smaller and more agile than X receivers and rely on their speed and route-running ability to get open. They must have good hands and be able to make quick adjustments to the ball in the air.

Slot Wide Receiver

The slot receiver lines up off the line of scrimmage between the X and Z receivers and is often used as a safety valve for the quarterback. They typically run quick, short routes and are relied upon to make plays in traffic. Slot receivers must be quick and agile, with the ability to change direction on a dime to get open. They also need to have good hands and be able to catch the ball in traffic, as they are often targeted over the middle of the field where the traffic is heavy.

Some receivers blend and can play multiple roles or provide abnormal skill sets for the position. For instance, there are some Slot Wide Receivers who have game-breaking speed and can be used as a deep threat from the slot. There are some Z wide receivers who can play X or move to the slot. For the purposes of this article, we will be breaking down some of the top player's considered slot wide receivers in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Jaxson Smith-Njigba

Ohio State

Grade: Mid-Late 1st-Rd

Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Jaxon Smith-Njigba made a name for himself in high school as a five-star recruit and continued to impress as a wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes. In 2021, he set a Big Ten receiving record with an impressive 1,606 yards. However, his success in college was hindered by injuries, limiting him to just three games and four passes caught in 2022. Despite this setback, Smith-Njigba has proven himself to be an outstanding route-runner and separator, with exceptional spatial awareness and the ability to work in scramble situations.

One of Smith-Njigba's greatest strengths is his route-running ability. He possesses deceptive footwork and body control, allowing him to read leverage and make sight adjustments to run into open spaces. Additionally, he has exceptional hands and ball skills, making him a reliable target for his quarterback. He is also decisive after the catch and has excellent field vision. His technical refinement and smooth playstyle make him a threat at all levels of the field, and he does well to vary his release package to gain leverage and get open.

Despite his many strengths, Smith-Njigba's lack of explosiveness is a significant concern. He isn't likely to simply win foot races to run away from coverage and relies heavily on his technique. Although Ohio State moved him around the formation, he primarily functioned from the slot and enjoyed free releases, and his ability to play out wide is still in question. Furthermore, his college production is limited to a single year of elite play, which raises questions about his readiness for the NFL.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a talented wide receiver who will be drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft. With exceptional route-running abilities, excellent hands, and good field vision, he is one of the more exciting prospects. However, his lack of explosiveness and production as only a one-year wonder season raises concerns. Smith-Njigba has been picked between picks 5 to 20 in most mock drafts.

Zay Flowers

Boston College

Grade: Late 1st-Rd

Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Boston College Eagles wide receiver Zay Flowers was a 3-star recruit from Fort Lauderdale, Fl. With 13 siblings and being the fourth youngest in the family, Flowers has been playing football since the age of four and has a love for the game that drives him. As a freshman at Boston College, Flowers managed to make his way onto the field, displaying his toughness and competitiveness.

Flowers has continued to improve his productivity and impact on Boston College's offense. He has posted career highs in receptions, yards, touchdowns, and yards after the catch in 2022. Flowers offers both inside and outside versatility, has improved his ability to track the football while it's in the air, and is competitive at the catch point. Despite his smaller frame, Flowers attacks the defender's leverage with his route speed and tempo, making him an explosive and dynamic threat to generate big plays.

However, Flowers' lack of height and weight presents a challenge in projecting his success at the next level. Some teams may view him as a slot-only receiver due to his size, which limits the opportunities a quarterback will trust him with in regard to targets. His inconsistency in catching passes is also a concern, as Flowers has been charged with 24 drops over his career at BC, with an 11% drop rate. Flowers faces a high amount of off-coverage and free releases, leaving room for improvement in his release package.

Despite the challenges he may face, Flowers' overall skill set and versatility make him an enticing option for NFL teams. He can be an electric player in space, a three-level receiving threat, and a dynamic run-after-catch option. Teams will need to develop a plan for him in year one, revolving around pre-snap motion, manufactured touches in space, and quick-hitting routes with run-after-catch opportunities. PFF has Flowers trending at being picked in the 20s during this upcoming draft, though with options still ahead of him, Flowers could fall into the second round.

Jalin Hyatt

Tennessee

Grade: Late-1st

Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Jalin Hyatt received his first scholarship as a high school sophomore and became the all-time leader in receiving yards and touchdowns at Dutch Fork High School. He helped win back-to-back undefeated state titles, including catching the game-winning touchdown in overtime in the 2019 championship game. Hyatt is known for his incredible speed, recording a 10.46 in the 100m and 21.14 in the 200m, and a verified 4.31 40-yard dash and 34.5" vertical. He considered offers from Miami, Oregon, and Florida before ultimately signing with Tennessee as a four-star recruit.

Jalin Hyatt is a skilled football player known for his explosive athleticism and speed. He has the ability to win most foot races and get behind defenders, and his good route timing allows him to create leverage and run away from coverage. Hyatt's soft and reliable hands, along with his elusiveness in the open field, make him a dangerous threat after the catch. He also understands how to stack defenders and create a clear window for passes, and his deep-ball tracking is a strength.

Hyatt's ability to win deep sets up the ability to snap off routes and work back down the stem. He can reach an otherworldly gear when he appears to be at his max speed, accelerating with long, efficient strides. When facing contact, he can swipe hands off him with ease while maintaining stability. Additionally, he stays low throughout his route, snapping down at the stem for maximum efficiency. Overall, his explosive athletic profile, vertical receiving skill set, elusiveness in and out of breaks, and ball skills make him a highly sought-after player.

Despite being a highly skilled player, there are areas where Jalin Hyatt can improve his game. He is primarily used in Tennessee's quick game and RPOs, limiting the variety of routes he runs in their offense. As a result, he has little experience with hard-breaking routes and has occasional issues with sinking his hips at the top of his breaks. He also needs to expand his release repertoire to better handle physical corners in the NFL. While he uses head fakes to deceive defenders, he needs to improve his patience and footwork in zone coverage.

Hyatt could add muscle, but his naturally slender build means he won't be a significant contested-catch threat or able to break many arm tackles. While he is 6'0", with decent length, he is extremely light, which adds to his speed, but makes him easily thrown off balance, and can make him slow at getting off the line against physical corners. It doesn't help that he tends to line up with his hands crossed on his knees, which can slow him down at the release further and make him susceptible to jams from pressing cornerbacks. He should also incorporate a more forward lean in his stance for optimal explosion off the line of scrimmage.

Josh Downs

North Carolina

Grade: 2nd-Rd

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

North Carolina wide receiver Josh Downs is a standout athlete and an excellent three-sport player. As a recruit, he was ranked 17th nationally at his position and was a four-star prospect. Downs earned playing time as a true freshman but didn't produce at the level that UNC had hoped for. However, with the departures of several key players, he became the No. 1 receiver and had back-to-back 1,000-yard and 8-plus touchdown seasons.

Downs is a dynamic and productive slot receiver who has showcased his ability to win at all three levels of the defense. He is a crafty and sudden route-runner and excels in playing basketball on grass. Downs is great at manipulating his opponent with quick and elusive moves and is effective in contested-catch situations. Despite his smaller size, he catches more than 72% of his contested-catch targets.

One downside to Downs' game is his lack of traditional height and weight measurements. He has a limited catch radius and frame and can be knocked off his route stem when facing physical coverage. He also struggles as a play-side run blocker and has dealt with drops over the past two seasons. Despite his limitations, Downs is a dynamic space player with plus-route running, making him an ideal fit for a slot receiver position given a two-way go. His play style fits the chain-mover model and makes him a great choice route option for any offense. He has shown improvement in his drop percentage over the years, going from 12.9% in 2020 to just 3.1% last season.

Overall, Josh Downs is a top-tier athlete and productive receiver who excels in the slot position. While he may not fit the mold of a traditional receiver in terms of size and strength, his agility and route-running ability make him a valuable asset to any team. He is trending between picks 30-55 in most drafts.

Marvin Mims

Oklahoma

Grade: 3rd-Rd

Bryan Terry/ The Oklahoman

Marvin Mims, who was born and raised in Frisco, Texas, became a standout high school football player at Lone Star High School in Texas, a state known for its football talent. During his senior year, Mims broke the national record for single-season receiving yards with 2,629 yards and 32 touchdowns, with a total of 117 receptions. He also holds the Texas high school career receiving yards record with 5,485 yards, surpassing Ohio State star Jaxon Smith-Njigba by 82 yards. Despite receiving over 30 offers as a four-star recruit, Mims ultimately decided to attend Oklahoma, where he has continued to excel.

Marvin Mims made history in 2020 as the first-ever Oklahoma wide receiver to earn FWAA Freshman All-American honors, and he continued to break records by catching the most touchdowns (nine) in OU freshman history. Over his two seasons with the Sooners, he has led the team in receiving yards, with 69 receptions for 1,315 yards and 14 TDs. Despite his success on the field, Mims had a strained relationship with the coaching staff and nearly transferred during the offseason. However, the change ultimately came to him when head coach Lincoln Riley and quarterback Caleb Williams left for USC.

Marvin Mims is a highly productive receiver who is known for his ability to create big plays. He has shown an ability to win downfield and be productive after the catch, thanks to his quickness, elusiveness, and field vision. Although he can occasionally use his frame to secure a catch, he is a consistent finisher who rarely drops passes. Mims is also highly competitive as a blocker and has experience returning punts for Oklahoma. However, his smaller stature could be a concern at the next level, and he may be better suited to a slot role where he can take advantage of free releases.

Despite his smaller size, Mims is an impressive route-runner who can process on the fly and adjust to zones. He has the twitch, fluidity, and elusiveness to create separation with consistency, which makes him a valuable asset to any offense. However, Mims may struggle with playing through contact, and his limited route tree could be a concern at the next level. Overall, Mims has the potential to be a dynamic receiver at the next level, with the ability to stretch the field vertically and make plays after the catch. While he may not be a high-volume target, he can improve the offensive spacing with his athleticism and versatility. PFF is estimating Mims to be drafted between picks 125-145.

Nathaniel "Tank" Dell

Houston

Grade: 3rd-4th Rd

Leslie Plaza Johnson/Contributor Houston Chronicle

Hailing from Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, Florida, Dell was a three-star recruit during the 2020 cycle and ranked as the 19th-best WR and 44th-best Floridian recruit by 247 Sports. Interestingly, ESPN rated him as a five-star recruit. Dell's journey began prior to the 2020 recruiting cycle when he entered the transfer portal.

Dell committed to Florida International University before ultimately attending Alabama A&M in 2018. After four games with Alabama A&M, he redshirted. Despite committing to FIU, Dell never attended the school and instead transferred to Independence Community College for the 2019 season. Eventually, he landed at Houston for his final three years of college football.

Dell's explosiveness and exceptional burst make him a dangerous deep threat, and his smart and nuanced route running allows him to create separation from defenders. His hip sink, foot speed, and stopping ability on breaks give him the ability to quickly change direction and get open. Dell's consistency in extending beyond his frame to secure passes, along with his lateral twitch and foot speed, make him a reliable target for quarterbacks.

Dell's versatility as a receiver is also a strength. While he primarily plays as a slot receiver, he has shown the ability to line up outside, in the backfield, or in motion. This allows him to have free access releases at the snap, making it difficult for defenders to predict his route. When lined up outside or in the slot, Dell uses his speed and rapid foot-fire to win against press coverage. His quickness and ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces also make him a slippery run-after-catch threat. Dell also profiles as a quick accelerator and has the speed to outrun defenders and defeat pursuit angles. With his exceptional ball-tracking ability on deep passes, Dell can make high-difficulty catches look routine. Overall, Dell's combination of explosiveness, route running, and versatility make him a valuable asset to any offense.

One of the main concerns regarding Dell's potential as a receiver prospect is his lack of size. With a slight frame, there are worries that he may be limited to a slot-only role. Additionally, when unable to rely on speed to overcome press coverage, Dell can struggle against physical defenders who can alter his route stem and disrupt his timing. Another potential issue is his limited catch radius due to his lack of arm length, though he has shown the ability to make contested catches. These factors could result in Dell falling into the early Day 3 range, but it helps that Tank was named as a "2023 Senior Bowl Practice Winner." It also helps that Dell led the NCAA in receiving yards (1,399) and touchdowns (17). Dell has likely increased his draft stock and he still has a pro day upcoming.