The Difference Between The X,Y, And Z Receivers.

I had a conversation earlier with another member of the Patriots Nation Fandom. We were talking about the Patriots receivers not getting seperation and they said it was because the Patriots didn't invest in a number one X receiver. I disagreed and realized we had a different opinion of the X position.

When it comes to the X-receiver spot, I think of a guy that's a minimum of 6'2" and between 225-245 pounds. They should have long arms and a high vertical. I expect them to run a 40 time between 4.5 and 4.75. I expect them to have a slower three cone time. It's not a position of seperation but if everyone is covered, they should be able to catch the ball. Basically, a last resort unless one wants to throw the ball away.

The Z receiver I think of a 6' 200 pound guy with a more advanced route tree. They might not have the best jump ball skills but they'll run a 4.3 to a low 4.5. While having an average three cone score. These are the burners that will get seperation on go routes and deep crossers and slants but are better used in the intermediate passing game.

The typical slot should be 5'10" and 180 pounds. They should have a better long jump than vertical. Their 40 time should be between 4.4 and a 4.65. However, they should have a fast three cone time.  These are the guys that are going to get seperation in the short to intermediate range horizontally and in the middle of traffic. They are the ones known for being a death of a thousand paper cuts.

There are two other types of slots. The big slot should have the size and 40 speed of an X receiver. The deep slot should have the size and 40 speed of Z receiver. Both hybrids should have a slightly lower three cone than a normal slot but still better than the other two positions.

Move tight ends I think of as a big slot that is 6'4" 245 pounds with some blocking ability. The h-back tight end I think of a guy that runs a 4.7 40 time with an elite three cone time. And the third down back (slot back) should be a typical 5'10" slot receiver only they should weight an extra 20-25 pounds.

When I hear Patriots fans talk about a number one receiver, to me they describe a Z receiver or a deep slot. They're not describing an X receiver. At least not what I would consider one this millennium. Jerry Rice ran a 4.71 40 time. He was a number one but by 2003, if played correctly, he was a big slot. Corners are too fast these days for a 4.7 receiver to be a speedy number one at the X. 

Worst part is. I don't even think most fans that describe Rice when talking about the X receiver position, know who he is. Everything is Randy Moss. And guys with his speed and skills do not come along every Draft. Moss is a lottery jackpot. The needle in the haystack. We're lucky if one maybe two of him come a decade. But back to the X position, it's not a number one because it gets seperation, if it's a number one, it's because it's your best chance at a completion when everyone is covered.