Slot Rankings - How Wide Receivers Score More Touchdowns in the Slot
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Slot Efficiency
The objective of slot efficiency is to maximize the number of changes to the slot that can be made without breaking certain constraints. These constraints can include, for instance the minimum operational delay (usually expressed as scheduling delays) fairness, equity, fairness access, competition environmental goals and many more. The process of allocation of slots is a complex one and optimizing it to reach the desired performance metrics requires careful analysis of all factors that are in play.
In general, the process starts with the identification of the types of requests to be prioritized based on prioritization in the past. Once the type of request has been determined the slot allocation model is used to reduce the delay criterion. However, numerous research gaps have been discovered in the optimization of slot scheduling models, particularly when it comes to the balance between fairness and efficiency is being maintained.
A popular method of prioritizing slot assignments is the ABC (assigned by velocity) strategy, which collects information about the history of items and then determines the velocity group. Items with the highest velocity are given the best slots, whereas lower velocity items are placed farther back in the warehouse.
Another key element of slot efficiency is the distance factor, which measures the amount of space that needs to be allocated to support the pick-to-ship process. The calculation considers the speed of the group, the placement of racking, and equipment handling characteristics of the items.
To increase slot efficiency It is also crucial to think about the cost of any slot change. A quick look at a typical slot change can aid managers in determining the cost of the move, and the impact it could have on other aspects of slot efficiency, like velocity.
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Perimeter Efficiency
We all know that wide receivers are more likely to score touchdowns when they are in a position to hit perimeter targets rather than slot targets. This is because they are generally targeted downfield and usually have one-on-one coverage. What might be surprising to some is the distinction between the top five slot receivers and the rest when it comes to scoring on these perimeter targets.
Of the wide receivers who have seen at least 40 targets in each of the last 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 this list is dominated by players who are more possession-based like Chris Godwin and Diontae Johnston. The Bucs will likely shift the latter two players into the slot more often this season, which should increase their targets. However, they'll have to improve their scoring from the perimeter to maintain their top-of-the-line performance.
Speedy wideouts are the biggest benefits of moving into the slot since they are more likely to be open in the field in the event that their route isn't blocked by a cornerback or linebacker. Corey Coleman is the only wide receiver who's not a speedy wideout, but could benefit from more slot work. He's a good target for intermediate and short routes.
The bottom of the list includes more possession-based receivers who are better on intermediate and short routes than deep ones such as Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler. Jeudy is expected to be the Rams' primary slot receiver this year is a sleeper choice. Courtland Cooper and Amari Sutton are expected to play a larger role in downfield targets. Hamler, meanwhile, should thrive on more short-to-middle and intermediate routes, as that's where he excelled while playing for the Bills in 2021. Hamler could be a great replacement for the departing wideout Jordan Matthews in Buffalo.
Percentage of Snaps in the Slot
The amount of snaps receivers take in the slot can be a good indicator of their ability to run routes that are deep. However, it isn't always a true representation of a receiver's abilities because some receivers excel in the slot, but can't play deep and vice versa.
For example For instance, the Eagles Alshon Jeffery leads the league in the number of targets per game (4.8) but is only sixth in the slot receiving score (58.5). This is due to the fact that most of his targets are from outside and it's difficult to get a first down in a wide-open, deep and wide-open route.
On contrary, some receivers excel at playing inside, but struggle on the perimeter. For instance, the Panthers handed Robby Anderson 978 snaps this season, and he completed 74% of his slot routes as opposed to only 26% on boundary routes. This is a significant difference and shows just how much more efficient Robby Anderson is when he is aligned to the slot.
Chris Godwin, a Buccaneers player, plays inside the majority of his passing downs. He has one of the top five slot receiving scores (58.5). He also played 51% his perimeter routes and is a master in one-on-1 coverage.
Speed receivers tend to be more effective when they are lined up inside. They are able to be targeted further down the field and are often faced with one-on-1 coverage. You'll find names like Mike Evans, Amari Cooper and Julio Jones in our top five.
On the flip side there are some excellent slot cornerbacks like McDuffie and Moore in this group. Both have been able to create pressures during the pass game and have McDuffie leading the NFL with seven forced fumbles. Moore having the best tackle stop rate on this list (-3.5). By using McDuffie in the slot when they run nickel or dime packages and then placing McDuffie on the outside in base defense, Spagnuolo has maximized his skills. Moore's ability in stopping big run plays is a major advantage when playing the slot.
Percentage of Snaps Outside
While top NFL receivers like Golden Tate, Larry Fitzgerald, and Baldwin excel on the perimeter, their slot counterparts are also just as good. As a whole wide receivers who have a high slot receiving grade score touchdowns roughly at the same rate as those who play on the edge. This is due to the fact that quarterbacks are more consistent in their target distribution when they throw to slot and outside wide receivers, as opposed to other inside options like tight ends and backfield passers.
It's also interesting to see a receiver such as CeeDee Lamb on this list in 2022, as he plays the slot in three WR sets and flanker in two of them. He's running more routes in the slot than many of the players on this list. This is a great way to create matchup benefits for your team. It also helps clarify why Lamb is rated as the top-rated slot receiver in our system this season.
He also plays the X-position, and can make big plays on the outside. Lamb isn't as powerful as the other players in this ranking however, he's a very high-graded receiver and is a perfect fit for the Cowboys' scheme.
Mecole Hardman, a different player who is able to put huge numbers on both types of targets is a further example. He's among the best players in the game at throwing throws from behind his shoulders. He's also a fantastic catcher who is contested.
Jalen Hilton is another player who is a slot specialist. He has lined up in this position on 85.7 percent of his defensive plays thus far in the season. He's allowed the third-lowest target EPA and the fifth-best run stop EPA for cornerbacks that are aligned in the slot, which makes him a valuable part of his team's defense. He has struggled to stop passes from the outside, and his EPA against this type of target is negative. This is because he's been playing with safety and linebackers who can't match Hilton's speed, size, and ability to run routes.