Past Slot Receivers For New England Patriots

Do the Patriots — famous for pursuing quick, short slot receivers — have a new prototype for the position? During free agency and the draft, New England ostensibly made a concerted effort to. The Patriots went out and traded for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks back in March, surrendering their first round pick in exchange. I will admit, I was a bit apprehensive at first, as I was hoping that the Patriots' would take a linebacker or edge rusher with the 32nd overall pick. The New England Patriots played the Los Angeles Rams at Sofi Stadium on Thursday. Both teams came in with hopes of the postseason. The Rams are looking to win the NFC West. The Patriots were hoping to find their way to an AFC Wild-Card berth. Instead, New England fell to 6-7, with the 24-3 loss.

In the 2019 regular and postseason, per Pro Football Focus data, slot receivers regardless of position (receivers, running backs, and tight ends) accounted for 32% of all targets, 31.6% of all receptions, 32.3% of all receiving yardage, and 34.3% of all receiving touchdowns. In a league where the three-receiver set is by far the default formation (it happened on 69% of all snaps last season, per Sports Info Solutions), having a versatile and productive slot receiver is an absolute necessity in the modern passing game.

New England was also very recently successful in using two slot receivers in Edelman and Danny Amendola, and we could potentially see something similar between Olszewski, Thomas, and even Meyers.

Moreover, there is no one kind of slot receiver in the modern NFL. It used to be that you wanted the shorter, smaller guy inside, and your bigger, more physical receivers on the outside. Then, offensive coaches started to realize that by putting bigger receivers and tight ends in the slot, you could create mismatches with slower linebackers and smaller slot cornerbacks. Teams countered this by acquiring linebackers built like safeties, eager to do more than just chase after run fits, and also by moving their best cornerbacks into the slot in certain situations.

Now that offensive and defensive coaches have worked hard to create as many schematic and personnel ties in the slot as possible, the best slot receivers are the ones who consistently show the ideal characteristics for the position. These receivers know how to exploit defenders who don't have a boundary to help them — they'll create inside and outside position to move the defender where they want him to go. They understand the value and precision of the option route, and how you can hang a defender out to dry with a simple 'if this/then that' equation based on coverage rules. They know how to work in concert with their outside receivers to create route combinations which create impossible math problems for defenses. And they know how to get open in quick spaces.

But don't automatically assume that slot receivers are just taking the dink-and-dunk routes — they're actually tasked to catch everything from quick slants to vertical stuff down the seam and up the numbers. Last season, per PFF data, the NFL average for yards per completion for outside receivers was 11.28. For slot receivers, it was 11.63. So, over time and based on the play design and the makeup of the receivers, teams could find just that many more yards by throwing to their slot targets.

The best slot receivers in the game bring unique and highly valuable traits to the game, and here are the best among them.

New England was also very recently successful in using two slot receivers in Edelman and Danny Amendola, and we could potentially see something similar between Olszewski, Thomas, and even Meyers.

Moreover, there is no one kind of slot receiver in the modern NFL. It used to be that you wanted the shorter, smaller guy inside, and your bigger, more physical receivers on the outside. Then, offensive coaches started to realize that by putting bigger receivers and tight ends in the slot, you could create mismatches with slower linebackers and smaller slot cornerbacks. Teams countered this by acquiring linebackers built like safeties, eager to do more than just chase after run fits, and also by moving their best cornerbacks into the slot in certain situations.

Now that offensive and defensive coaches have worked hard to create as many schematic and personnel ties in the slot as possible, the best slot receivers are the ones who consistently show the ideal characteristics for the position. These receivers know how to exploit defenders who don't have a boundary to help them — they'll create inside and outside position to move the defender where they want him to go. They understand the value and precision of the option route, and how you can hang a defender out to dry with a simple 'if this/then that' equation based on coverage rules. They know how to work in concert with their outside receivers to create route combinations which create impossible math problems for defenses. And they know how to get open in quick spaces.

But don't automatically assume that slot receivers are just taking the dink-and-dunk routes — they're actually tasked to catch everything from quick slants to vertical stuff down the seam and up the numbers. Last season, per PFF data, the NFL average for yards per completion for outside receivers was 11.28. For slot receivers, it was 11.63. So, over time and based on the play design and the makeup of the receivers, teams could find just that many more yards by throwing to their slot targets.

The best slot receivers in the game bring unique and highly valuable traits to the game, and here are the best among them.

More Top 11 lists: Slot defenders | Outside cornerbacks | Safeties | Linebackers | Edge defenders | Interior defensive linemen | Offensive tackles| Offensive guards | Centers | Outside Receivers

Honorable Mentions

Had we dropped the qualifying floor to under 50% slot snaps, two guys would have easily made it — Tampa Bay's Mike Evans, and Baltimore's Marquise Goodwin. Evans led all slot receivers with at least 25 targets with a passer rating when targeted of 151.3, and Brown was an absolute force against defenses in the slot — especially when he was using his speed in empty formations.

San Francisco's Deebo Samuel, who was probably the MVP of the first half of Super Bowl LIV before things started to go backward for his team, would have received a mention as well — Samuel had just 33 targets, but caught 28 of them and helped his quarterback to a 135.3 rating when he was targeted in the slot. Kansas City speed receiver Mecole Hardman had just 23 a lot targets, but he was also highly efficient with them, helping his quarterbacks to a 133.9 rating. Though Danny Amendola was the only Lions receiver to make the 50% threshold, both Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay were highly efficient when tasked to move inside. Other former slot stars like Tyreek Hill of the Chiefs and Minnesota's Adam Thielen saw their roles change more to the outside in 2019 from previous seasons.

Patriots Slot Receivers

Of the receivers who actually qualified, Nelson Agholor of the Eagles was quietly efficient and had just two drops in the slot last season — which would go against several memes on the subject. Buffalo's Cole Beasley just missed the cut, through he was one of several receivers on the Bills' roster who didn't always get the accuracy and efficiency they deserved from quarterback Josh Allen. And though Randall Cobb was productive for the Cowboys last season and should be so for the Texans in 2020, his nine drops as a slot man… well, we can only have one guy with nine slot drops on this list. More on that in a minute.

Now, on to the top 11.

Willie Snead IV | Julian Edelman | Tyler Boyd | Jared Cook | Golden Tate | Keenan Allen | Larry Fitzgerald | Allen Robinson | Cooper Kupp | Chris Godwin | Tyler Lockett

2018 was a strange year for the New England Patriots, but it ended with a familiar outcome. For the third time in five years, the Patriots finished the season hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. However, just because they were the best team in the league doesn't mean that the roster is perfect heading into 2019. Let's take a look at how the Patriots wide receivers performed in 2018, and what the positional outlook is for 2019.

The Stud

New England's best receiver throughout the season was Julian Edelman. After missing the first four games of the season due to a suspension, the 32-year slot receiver returned to the field and immediately established himself as the top option in the passing game. Playing in 12 games, Edelman recorded 74 receptions for 850 yards and six touchdowns.

As is a January tradition, Edelman saved his best play for the postseason. Starting all three postseason contests, Edelman finished his playoff run with a combined 26 receptions for 388 yards. His best game came in Super Bowl LIII, as the ten-year Patriot recorded 10 receptions for 141 yards en route to winning Super Bowl MVP honors. New England's passing attack had its' highs and lows throughout the season, but Edelman was the key piece in the offense.

The Mostly Good

Edelman was the unquestioned star, but the Patriots had a trio of receivers who played valuable roles throughout the 2018 season. Acquired in a midseason trade, former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon helped bring a different dimension to New England's offense. Playing in 11 games, Gordon recorded 40 receptions for 720 yards and three touchdowns in a Patriots uniform. Unfortunately, Gordon missed the end of the season after stepping away from football to battle his addiction problems. The 27-year old is currently suspended, but reports say that ban could be lifted as early as May. It's no guarantee, but Gordon could be back in 2019.

Phillip Dorsett was fantastic whenever he was actually given the opportunity to contribute. Playing in all 16 games, Dorsett finished his season with a pedestrian 32 receptions for 290 yards and three touchdowns. However, he managed to put up those numbers on just 42 targets. Dorsett's 76.2% catch rate was fantastic for a wide receiver, and his 60% success rate on targets was only two points behind Edelman. Dorsett did everything asked of him, but simply didn't see the field enough to grab national attention.

Cordarrelle Patterson, while not a complete wide receiver, was a fantastic chess piece in Josh McDaniels' offense. The first-year Patriot finished his season with 21 receptions for 247 yards and three touchdowns to go along with 42 carries for 228 yards and a touchdown. McDaniels is one of the most creative offensive minds in the league, and Patterson is one of the most dangerous players in the open field. This pairing was a match made in heaven, as Patterson provided an explosive element to New England's offense throughout the season.

The Not So Great

2018 was supposed to be a breakout season for Chris Hogan. With Brandin Cooks and Danny Amendola out of the picture, Hogan was supposed to take the next step as New England's number two receiver. Instead, the 30-year old regressed. Playing in all 16 games, Hogan recorded 35 receptions for 532 yards and three touchdowns. He struggled to beat man coverage and had the lowest wide receiver success rate on the team.

The biggest problem with Hogan appeared to be a surprising lack of chemistry with quarterback Tom Brady. Per NFL Next Gen Stats, Hogan averaged 4.1 yards of separation on his routes. This was one of the best rankings in the league, meaning Hogan was finding holes in the defense. However, for whatever reason, Brady and Hogan just couldn't connect.

Looking Into 2019

Four of New England's five main receivers from 2018 are set to hit free agency. Josh Gordon is a restricted free agent, while Phillip Dorsett, Chris Hogan, and Cordarrelle Patterson will be unrestricted free agents. New England probably won't bring everyone back, so there's going to be some turnover at the position.

Of the four free agents, Gordon and Patterson have the best odds of returning to New England. As a restricted free agent, the Patriots still have Gordon's rights. It's highly unlikely another team makes a qualifying offer and risks draft compensation for a player as risky as Gordon. Chances are Gordon's NFL career lives and dies in Foxboro. Patterson is a perfect chess piece for New England's offense and Josh McDaniels should only increase his usage in 2019. Dorsett's a good player, but he'll probably look for more opportunity elsewhere. Similarly, Hogan turned down an extension prior to 2018. Chances are, he'll aim for a pay raise on the open market.

The only two receivers of note under contract for 2019 are Julian Edelman and the wholly-untested Braxton Berrios. Even if the Patriots can get two of their free agents back, they should look to upgrade the position. With Julian Edelman entering the final year of his contract, the Patriots could look to sign someone like Golden Tate, Adam Humphries, or Cole Beasley as a potential replacement. If they're looking for more of a deep threat, Baltimore's John Brown could be a smart low-cost acquisition.

New England enters the 2019 NFL Draft with a staggering 12 selections. Chances are, one of them will be used on a wide receiver. The Patriots typically don't take receivers early in the draft, so a mid- to late-round selections like Hunter Renfrow or Andy Isabella would make a lot of sense.

Past Slot Receivers For New England Patriots Draft Picks

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