While the development of the ‘slot receiver’ role has been one of the most compelling evolutions in the game of football over the course of the last couple of decades, the reality is that there is no one way to do it, no true prototype of the position.
It’s true that the inside receiver role has made it possible for players of a shorter and leaner stature who have great short-area quickness to become stars in the league, where it previously wasn’t really possible, or at least exceedingly difficult, on the outside.
But just like there are a number of different body types for those outside wide receiver positions, the same is true of the inside, as any fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers should know.