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, able 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 and outmuscle their opponents. For the purposes of this article, we will be breaking down some of the top players we consider "Z" wide receivers in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Jordan Addison
University of Southern California
Grade: Early-Mid 1st Rd
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Jordan Addison, originally a 4-star recruit from Tuscarora High School in Frederick, MD, was a highly sought-after prospect by top schools such as Notre Dame, South Carolina, Maryland, and Pittsburgh. With his multi-position skills as a quarterback, defensive back, and wide receiver, Addison logged impressive highlights and earned all-area honors. Despite his smaller size, he ran a 4.51s 40-yard dash, leading to his four-star rating as the 10th overall ATH in the country. Ultimately, he chose Pittsburgh, where he quickly established himself as an impact player in their offense.
With help from Kenny Picket while at Pitt in 2021, Jordan Addison earned the Fred Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top wide receiver and consensus All-American recognition. Despite being smaller in size, Addison possesses impressive play strength, enabling him to catch passes even when big hits are imminent. He is a versatile player, serving as a run blocker, punt returner, kick returner, and rusher, as well as lining up outside, in the slot, and moving around the formation on motions. Addison's speed, both downfield and in short areas, allows him to get a step on defenders and make explosive plays with the ball in his hands. He also demonstrates excellent concentration, body control, and ability to attack the ball at the catch point. Addison's dynamic play, ability to create separation and savvy route-running make him a reliable high-volume target with the potential to make an impact on any team.
In addition to his receiving abilities, Addison is a threat in the quick game and screen game, using his plucky hands to catch hot throws and transition into run-after-catch opportunities. His run-after-catch ability is another strong component of his game, with a twitchy playing style and good creativity to manufacture added offense. Addison's crafty release package, work at the top of routes, terrific spatial awareness, and body control are also major selling points. Furthermore, at only 21 years old, Addison will be a fresh and young addition to any NFL franchise. Despite facing few press defenses in college, Addison's ability to find holes in zone coverage and his understanding of coverages make him a valuable asset in any situation.
Although Addison possesses impressive athleticism and speed, there are still areas in which he needs to improve before entering the NFL. He must work on his deception during routes as his current lack of it will not be effective at the professional level. Moreover, he needs to avoid raising his pad level before breaks to avoid giving away his intentions to defensive backs. He also needs to improve his shoulder/head fakes since DBs in the NFL and college won't fall for them. Addison's size will be a limiting factor, so he must learn to stay low and punch inside the chest to reduce its impact. While he has done well in the slot position, he needs to enhance his ability to win outside the numbers. Additionally, he needs to work on his hands as he has dropped over 10 passes in the last two years by taking his eyes off the ball too early. Despite his strengths, such as his concentration and ability at the catch point, these weaknesses may hinder his ability to create explosive plays after the catch since he lacks true top-shelf speed.
Rashee Rice
SMU
Grade: 2nd Rd
AP Photo/Gerald Herbert
Rashee Rice is a former high school athlete who chose SMU over multiple Power Five offers and developed into one of the most dynamic wide receivers in college football. He has a sturdy frame, good height and length, as well as terrific balance that shows up at the catch point and after the catch. Rice has also proven capable of winning both from the slot and out wide. However, his route tree needs developing and expanding to adjust to having more on his plate. Drops have also been problematic for Rice at times.
Rashee Rice is part of SMU’s underrated factory of wide receivers that have produced veterans like Emmanuel Sanders and up-and-coming players like 49ers third-round pick Danny Gray. Rice was part of a trio that included Gray and Reggie Roberson Jr. He was only a three-star recruit in 2019 but quickly showed his talent once he joined the Mustangs. Rice caught 25 passes for 403 yards and a touchdown as a true freshman and emerged as a legitimate playmaker in 2020, with 48 catches for 683 yards and five touchdowns. In 2021, Rice amassed 64 catches for 670 yards and nine scores alongside Gray.
Rice’s dense, compact frame with excellent proportional length, overall athleticism, and multi-phase threat make him a valuable asset. He is an explosive athlete who accelerates quickly in open space, and his brand of athleticism translates well in multiple phases. Rice’s best trait is his elite catching instincts. He has a tremendous sense of timing and coordination at the catch point and can effortlessly elevate and contort to guide the ball into his frame. Rice has incredible focus and control, even in contested situations, and can convert with defenders inside his frame.
Rice is expected to be a top 30-60 draft pick that can come and help an offense right away. With a blend of athleticism and catching instincts, Rice’s brand of run-after-catch threat is especially appealing. His ability to make defenders miss in space and win after the catch makes him an alpha mentality. He must, however, acclimate to a more diverse route tree and develop consistency with drops.
Dontayvian Wicks
Virginia
Grade: 2nd-3rd Rd
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Dontayvion Wicks is a redshirt junior and a rising star in the ACC. Wicks has come a long way since his three-star recruit days in 2019 and had a standout 2021 season. In the 2021 season, Wicks caught 57 passes for 1,203 yards, adding nine touchdowns. He was a first-team All-ACC honoree for his play and earned third-team recognition on PFN’s All-American list heading into 2022. Wicks' unique frame, athleticism, agility, and twitch make him stand out as a receiver. His brand of athleticism also gives him great potential as a route runner.
Wicks has an extremely unique frame, with decent height and great frame density, but his elite length is perhaps the most appealing. Wicks' linear athleticism is magnified by his long-strider mold, but his agility and twitch are even more exciting. He has a high-end cylindrical twitch to suddenly cut stems and snap around on routes, and he's a loose-hipped, spry lateral athlete with great burst and freedom on his cuts.
When the ball is in the air, Wicks can make sudden adjustments back toward the ball and has very smooth transfers of weight to adjust for passes. He flashes extraordinary body control, actively works against his momentum, and completes high-difficulty contortions to corral imprecise throws. Wicks can track the ball effectively in the deep third and throttle down suddenly when needed. He can also track the ball in stride while running up tight seams.
Wicks' positives are undeniable, but like every prospect, he has areas that could use improvement. He had a major injury in 2020 that robbed him of his sophomore campaign, so he has not had much playing time. He will need to continue to develop his route-running ability, work on his blocking, and add some strength to his frame. However, with his unique frame, athleticism, and playmaking ability, Wicks is expected to be drafted in the early rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Trey Palmer
Nebraska
Grade: 3rd Rd
Nebraska Cornhuskers Communication
Palmer was a four-star recruit with 30+ offers out of high school. A former track star, he won the state title in both the 100m and 200m dashes, setting the state-meet record with his 200m time. Palmer also earned back-to-back all-state honors as a junior and senior, and helped his team win a state title in 2018. That year, he had stats that would make a create-a-player on Madden proud: 3 of 3 passing for 95 yards and two touchdowns; 31 carries for 275 yards and three touchdowns; 39 catches for 1,008 yards and nine touchdowns; nearly 400 total return yards; 95 tackles, eight tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception; and two punts for good measure.
Palmer started his college career at LSU, but after three seasons with only 41 receptions for 458 yards and three touchdowns, he transferred to Nebraska. This season, he has started every game and is the team's leading WR and kick/punt returner. Palmer's game is based on his athleticism, and his documented track speed translates to the football field. He is a legitimate vertical threat who can take the top off the defense, and his initial burst is impressive. Palmer is also fluid in the open field, accelerating and deaccelerating with ease to freeze defenders before blowing by them.
Palmer can vary his strides as a route runner, lulling defenders to sleep before torching them over the top. He also has a special talent for manipulating and setting up defenders with his upper body. Despite his 6'1", 190-pound frame, Palmer consistently high points passes over defenders with skyscraping leaps, and defenders cannot pry the ball away from him. He also has a good feel for the zone, making himself an easy target by sitting in holes between them.
Nebraska's offense does not require many hard breaks from their wideouts, but Palmer has flashed the ability to snap down at the top of the route. He also keeps his legs underneath his frame for balance and efficiency out of breaks. With a strong combine that included 4.33 speed, Palmer has increased his draft stock and could be a player to watch in the 2023 NFL draft.
Xavier Hutchenson
Iowa State
Grade: 4th Rd
Ames Tribune-USA TODAY Sports
Xavier Hutchinson is a redshirt senior who plays wide receiver for Iowa State, and he is expected to be drafted in the upcoming NFL draft. Hutchinson was not a highly-coveted recruit out of high school and had to take the JUCO route to the FBS level. After a successful sophomore season, he started to receive offers from Power Five teams, but he chose to sign with Iowa State. Hutchinson has been incredibly productive during his college career, amassing almost 3,000 receiving yards since 2020, and he has been a target funnel for Iowa State's passing attack.
Hutchinson's size, athleticism, and production are some of his positive traits that are sure to catch the attention of NFL teams. He possesses great height and weight, with excellent accelerative capacity off the line. Hutchinson has good lateral twitch and loose hips in space and is able to sink and levy quick cuts to create space. He is also able to press upfield at sharp angles out of cuts after starting horizontally, which translates to good natural route running potential. Hutchinson's lateral agility, for his size, allows him to line up in the slot or on the boundary, and his elite catching instincts and natural ball-tracking ability accentuate his profile as a player with early-round upside.
One of the negatives regarding Hutchinson is his lack of speed, also indicated by his 4.53 40-yard-dash. He is not a burner downfield, but he does have enough speed to stack defensive backs with long-strider acceleration. Hutchinson's other negative is his lack of experience against top-tier talent. His production has come primarily from playing in the Big 12, and he has not faced the best defenses in the country.
Despite his negatives, Hutchinson is expected to come off the board in the 4th-Round according PFF. Hutchinson's excellent size, athleticism, and production have made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams, and his elite catching instincts and natural ball-tracking ability make him a valuable addition to any team as a 4th wide receiver to start his career with special teams ability.
Other Wide Receivers:
Jonathon Mingo - Ole'Mis
Michael Wilson - Stanford
Jaden Haselwood - Arkansas
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