Slot Rankings - How Wide Receivers Score More Touchdowns in the Slot

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Slot Efficiency

Slot efficiency is the aim of maximizing the number of slot switches that can be used while avoiding the violation of the constraints that are predefined. These constraints may include, for instance the minimal operational delay (usually expressed as scheduling delays) fairness, equity, fairness access, competition environmental goals and many more. The slot allocation process is a complex one, and optimizing it to meet the desired performance metrics requires careful analysis of all the factors involved.

In general, the process begins by identifying the types of requests that are to be prioritized based on historical precedence. Once the type is identified and the slot allocation model is developed, it is then used to minimize the delay criteria. However, many research gaps have been identified related to the optimization of slot scheduling models, especially when the balance between fairness and efficiency is being maintained.

A common method for prioritizing slot assignments is the ABC (assigned by velocity) strategy that collects information on the history of an item and creates a velocity group. Items with the highest speed are assigned the fastest Exciting Slots in the warehouse, while items with lower speeds are assigned to the back.

Another crucial aspect of slot efficiency is the distance factor, which is the amount of space that needs to be allocated to support the pick-to ship process. The factor considers the velocity group, the placement of racking and the characteristics of handling equipment of the items.

It is important to also consider the cost of a change in the slot to increase the efficiency of your slot. Managers can assess the costs of a typical shift in slot as well as its impact on other aspects of slot efficiency, such as speed by studying the typical slot.

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Perimeter Efficiency

We all know that wide receivers are more likely to score more touchdowns on areas that are not targeted by slot targets, since they're often targeted farther downfield and often face one-on-one coverage. However, what may surprise people is the different between the top five slot receivers and the rest in terms of scoring on these targets that are located in the perimeter.

Of the 66 wide receivers who have seen at least 40 targets in each of the two seasons the top five slot scorers on perimeter routes were all speed receivers: Mike Evans, Amari Cooper, Tyler Lockett and Michael Gallup. The bottom half of the list was populated with more possession-based receivers, including Chris Godwin and Diontae Johnson. The two latter two are likely to see a boost in their targets this season if the Bucs can move them into the slot more frequently however they'll need to improve their scoring on the perimeter to maintain their high standards.

The slot is the best option for wideouts who are quick, as they can open up more quickly when their route will not be covered by a cornerback or linebacker. The only wide receiver who isn't speedy on the list who can benefit from slot work is Corey Coleman, as he's an extremely reliable player on intermediate and short routes.

The last spot on the list features more possession-based receivers who perform better on intermediate and short routes than those in deep areas such as Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler. Jeudy is a great choice for a sleeper this year as he'll be the primary slot receiver for the Rams while Courtland Sutton and Amari Cooper are largely expected to play on more downfield targets. Hamler, meanwhile, should thrive on more short-to-middle and intermediate routes, since that's where he excelled while playing for the Bills in 2021. Hamler could be a great replacement for the former wideout Jordan Matthews.

Percentage of Snaps in the Slot

The proportion of snaps a receiver takes in the slot is an excellent indicator of their ability to play deep routes. However, it isn't always a true representation of a receiver's abilities since certain receivers excel in the slot but aren't able to play deep and vice versa.

Alshon Jeffrey, for example is the league leader in goals per game (4.8) However, he's only ranked 6th in the position that scores (58.5). This is due to the fact that most of his targets come from the outside, and it is difficult to get a first down on a wide-open, deep route in that setting.

Certain receivers are better playing inside, while others struggle to do so on the outside. Robby Anderson, for instance, was given 978 snaps by the Panthers this season. He logged 74% of his routes in the slot, as opposed to only 26% of his boundary routes. This is an enormous difference that shows how much more productive Anderson is when aligned to the slot.

Chris Godwin, a Buccaneers player, plays inside the majority of the time on his passing downs and has one of the top five slot receiving scores (58.5). However he also ran 51% of his perimeter routes last season and is a stud in one-on-one coverage.

Speed receivers tend to be more effective when they line up inside. They are able to be targeted further down the field and are often swarmed by one-on-1 coverage. This is why you'll see names like Julio Jones, Mike Evans and Amari Cooper in the top five on our list.

McDuffie, Moore and other slot cornerbacks are also in this group. Both have been able to create pressures during the passing game with McDuffie leading the NFL with seven forced fumbles, and Moore having the best tackle stop efficiency on this list (-3.5). By using McDuffie in the slot when they run nickel or dime-type packages, and then placing him on the outside of base defense, Spagnuolo has maximized his skills. In addition, Moore's ability to stop big run plays has been a huge advantage when playing in the slot.

Percentage of Snaps Outside

While top NFL receivers like Golden Tate, Larry Fitzgerald and Baldwin excel on the perimeter but their slot counterparts are just as effective. Wide receivers with an excellent slot grade have touchdowns that are about the same as those on the perimeter. This is mostly because quarterbacks have a more stable target distribution when throwing to slot and outside receivers compared to other inside options like tight ends and backfield pass-catchers.

It's therefore interesting to see a player like CeeDee lamb on this list for 2022. He plays the slot in 3 WR sets, and flanker in 2 of them. He's actually running more routes in the slot than a lot of the players on this chart. This is a great way to create matchup advantages for your team and helps clarify why Lamb ranks as the highest-graded slot receiver in our system this season.

Of course, he plays the X position, and makes some big plays from the perimeter as well. Lamb isn't as fast as some of the other players in this ranking but he is still an elite wide receiver who is well-suited to the Cowboys scheme.

Mecole Hardman, a different player who can put up big numbers with targets of all kinds is a different example. He's among the best in the league at throwing throws from behind his shoulders. He's also a superb player who can play contested catch.

Another player on this list that's an authentic slot specialist is Baltimore's Jalen Hilton who has played in the slot on 85.7 percent of his defensive plays this season. He's allowed the third-lowest target EPA and the fifth-best run stop EPA among cornerbacks aligned in the slot, which makes him a valuable part of his team's defense. On the other hand, he's had trouble to stop passes from the outside and has given the negative EPA against these kinds of targets. This is a result of playing with subpar linebackers and safeties that don't have the same size and speed. He also has a great ability to run routes.