Green Bay Packers: Who will play slot receiver in 2020?

Wide Receivers

Allen Lazard and Devin Funchess would both play the role of a big slot, somewhat similar to a tight end, using their large frames to overpower smaller slot corners and making contested catches. Jake Kumerow could also play this role if he makes the roster as he stands 6’4″.

These guys are all also great candidates to line up in a snug alignment closer to the offensive line and crash in to help the run game. They all have the tools to do big damage out of this spot, being faster than most linebackers and bigger than any defensive backs trying to guard them. Expect each of these receivers to get a chance inside and possibly get some deep shot opportunities to take advantage of mismatches.

Davante Adams is a really interesting candidate to take some slot snaps in 2020 as well. Giving one of the best route runners in the league more space and the ability to break in or out is almost unfair. Here’s one example:

This slot fade is an easy way to get a big play against man coverage, especially if he’s being pressed because he can beat anyone off the line and then has more room outside to tail away from the defender. Adams scored against Buster Skrine and the Bears in a similar way last year. The threat of that keeps defenders off of him and his inside-breaking slants can be even more deadly, getting him the ball on the move and in space to make defenders miss.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown are both at points in their career where they’ll have to prove something this season if they want to stick with the Green Bay Packers. Moving inside to the slot, at least on some plays would add a lot of speed to the position. Both are speedsters with MVS running a 4.37 40-yard dash and St. Brown running a 4.48. Speed kills and both of these guys could use their speed in the slot. Here’s a glimpse MVS gave us of what he can do in the slot when his defender gives him a cushion:

Finally, we come to Reggie Begelton, who will have an uphill battle to make the roster this season but might have the most slot experience of anyone on the roster. He spent plenty of time in the slot with the Calgary Stampeeders of the CFL and he wasn’t just a one-trick pony from that spot either. Crossing routes, deep shots, jet sweeps, you name it he did it in the CFL. Playing there will be his best shot at carving out a niche on this team.