Stein: Rookie Wideouts Ready to Work the Middle

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Toughness. Precision. Bravery.

Fear not football fans, this is not another article praising great signal-callers such as Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. On the contrary, these three characteristics are better suited for describing the warriors who play the often overlooked slot receiver position. Regularly considered mere punching bags for linebackers, slot receivers perform the daunting task of going over the middle of the field and snagging balls in between vicious linebackers and safeties. These men are true warriors, always ready to go into traffic and come up with a big first down. The development of the slot position has enabled offensive coordinators to exploit zone coverages and to find mismatches against slower defenders. The success of slot receivers, Wes Welker in particular, has popularized the position, and teams are seeking dominant pass catchers in the slot.

Obviously, it is no simple task for mid-late round rookies to earn NFL roster spots. That being said, the evolution of the slot position has given rookie receivers a far superior chance to not only crack the roster, but to see playing time. Rookies are no longer simply fighting for the flanker and split-end spots, but are showcasing their skills lining up inside. Last season alone, youngsters Steve Breaston, Anthony Gonzalez and Steve Smith have all solidified themselves as sure-handed slot receivers. With a new draft class entering training camp in only a couple weeks, several rookies will surely put themselves in a position to fulfill slot duties this upcoming NFL season.

Look out for the following three wideouts to potentially excel in the slot in the coming years:

1. Jarett Dillard- WR- Jacksonville Jaguars (5th Round pick out of Rice)

Jarett Dillard is far from a “physical specimen” like Darius Heyward- Bey, but this kid is a pure football player. While his 40 yard dash was an unimpressive 4.5 seconds, Dillard has outstanding athleticism (a huge vertical), awareness and soft hands. Dillard was extremely productive in the spread offense at Rice, and scored over 60 touchdowns during his college career. The Jaguars parting ways with veteran Dennis Northcutt was a sign of the team's confidence in the rookie. Jags' offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter stated that Dillard has “surpassed expectations in his transition to the slot”. If Dillard can defeat Mike Thomas in the battle for the slot duties, the rookie might put up surprising numbers this season.

2. Sammie Stroughter- WR- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7th Round pick out of Oregon State)

Bucs coaches have been raving all summer about Sammie Stroughter. The Oregon State product has been given the opportunity to win the team's slot receiving duties, and coach Raheem Morris has suggested that Stroughter is “already one of the top four receivers on his team's roster”. While Stroughter is undersized (5' 10), he has displayed outstanding footwork and hands. As a result, the receiver has been running with the first team offense in the slot. The Buccaneers have neglected to sign a veteran receiver due to the rookie's outstanding play in practice so far. Stroughter likely won't put up great numbers this season, but I assure you he will pick up some big first downs over the middle.

3. Austin Collie- WR- Indianapolis Colts (4th Round pick out of Brigham Young)

Any receiver in the slot with Peyton Manning has potential to put up huge numbers, and Austin Collie could be the Colts' inside threat of the future. Although Indy's offense has always shifted players around in various formations (Reggie Wayne took many snaps in the slot last year), Collie's crisp routes and solid hands could lead to him seeing the field often as a rookie. Collie has impressed in OTAs, and has even been heralded by some Colts diehards as “the next Brandon Stokely”. The all-time leading receiver at BYU must beat out Pierre Garcon and Roy Hall to win the slot receiver job. If he is successful, look for Collie to post numbers similar to those of Anthony Gonzalez during his rookie season (37-576-3).