Highest yards per route run from slot receivers

Teams are using slot receivers as a mismatch option in the passing game more than ever. Whether relying on using the slot as a way to free up their best receiver or using a dedicated slot-man, getting production from the slot can be paramount to a successful passing attack. With Week 6 in the books we look at the top producers in yards per route run from the slot.

1. T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts

Yards per route run from slot – 3.20

Percentage of routes run from slot – 38.2%

While some teams use the slot to get the ball quickly into the hands of their play makers, the Colts use it as a means to get Hilton open downfield. It’s no surprise to see him lead this list considering he has an absurd average depth of target from the slot of 17.8 yards.

2. Rishard Matthews, Tennessee Titans

Yards per route run from slot – 2.78

Percentage of routes run from slot – 33.7%

When Matthews is in the slot he used very differently than the previously mentioned Hilton, with 78.9 percent of his targets coming within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage, showing just how efficient he can be on short routes. Among players on the list he has the highest target percentage from the slot and the lowest average depth of target from the slot.

3. Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs

Yards per route run from slot – 2.68

Percentage of routes run from slot – 31.9%

Hill has become one of the more explosive players in the NFL and it has shown through in a big way when lined up from the slot. He is averaging 23.5 yards per reception when lined up there.

4. Jermaine Kearse, New York Jets

Yards per route run from slot – 2.65

Percentage of routes run from slot – 28.1%

The Jets have found a way to get more production out of Kearse, who averages just 1.01 yards per route run when lined up on the outside. Over half his yardage production has come from the slot, yet he has run the fewest percentage of routes from the slot among players on this list.

5. Danny Amendola, New England Patriots

Yards per route run from slot – 2.37

Percentage of routes run from slot – 87.1%

Amendola is used as your prototypical slot receiver, with 37.5 percent of his targets coming within five yards of the line of scrimmage, the highest mark among receivers listed here. Amendola also has an impressive catch rate of 79.3 with lined up in the slot.