Slot Rankings - How Wide Receivers Score More Touchdowns in the Slot

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Slot Efficiency

The goal of slot efficiency is of maximizing the number of slot switches that can be constructed without violating the constraints that are predefined. These constraints typically include the minimum permitted operational delay (usually expressed in terms of scheduling delays) fairness and equity access and competition, environmental objectives and many more. The slot allocation process is a complex one, and optimizing it to achieve the desired performance metrics requires careful analysis of the various factors that are in play.

The process begins by identifying the kinds of requests to be prioritised based on the past experience. Once the type of request has been identified the slot allocation model is utilized to reduce the delay criterion. However, there are many research gaps have been identified regarding the optimization of slot scheduling models, particularly when trying to balance fairness and efficiency.

ABC (assigned based on velocity) is a well-known method for prioritizing slot allocation. This method collects the item's history and determines the grouping based on velocity. Items with the highest velocity are given the best slots with free spins, whereas smaller velocity items are placed farther back in the warehouse.

Another key element of slot efficiency is the distance factor, which is the amount of space that has to be allocated to support the pick-to-ship process. The measure considers the speed group, the placement of racking and the handling characteristics of the products.

It is important to also consider the cost associated with a slot change in order to increase slot efficiency. A quick review of a typical slot change can help managers determine the cost associated with the move, and the impact that it might affect other aspects of slot efficiency, like velocity.

After spending a few months testing the data and re-evaluating the recommendations, the casino started using the solution more frequently. The gaming operations team estimates that they will save between 10-12 hours a month by using their usual analysis. This does not include the time spent reviewing the data of customers or developing a new, actionable strategy.

The team was able, using the new recommendations provided by SRE to make a number of game changes that increased revenue for players. Dancing Drums Explosion, and Twinstar Wave XL from Scientific Games saw significant gains in the premium lease rankings and WAP rankings. The casino also managed to shift their budget from marketing and other costs to improving the floor's performance.

Perimeter Efficiency

We all know that wide receivers are more likely to score more touchdowns on targets that are in the perimeter than slot targets, as they're often targeted farther downfield and often have one-on-one coverage. But what might surprise some is the difference between the top five slot receivers and the rest of them in scoring on targets that are located in the perimeter.

Of the wide receivers who have seen at least 40 targets the past two seasons, the top five slot scorers on the perimeter routes were all speed receivers: Mike Evans, Amari Cooper, Tyler Lockett and Michael Gallup. The bottom of this list is filled with receivers who are more possession-based, like Chris Godwin and Diontae Johnston. The Bucs are likely to shift the latter two players into the slot more often during this season, which could increase their targets. However, they'll have to improve their scoring on the perimeter to maintain their top-of-the-line performance.

Speedy wideouts are the main benefits of moving into the slot since they have a much easier time getting open downfield in the event that their route isn't blocked by a cornerback or linebacker. The only non-speedy wide receiver on the list who can benefit from more slot work is Corey Coleman, as he's an extremely reliable target on short and intermediate routes.

Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler and other receivers who are based on possession are at the low end of the list. They're better on intermediate and short routes, rather than deep areas. Jeudy, who will be the Rams main slot receiver this year, is a sleeper pick. Courtland Cooper and Amari Sutton are likely to play a bigger role in downfield targets. Hamler is expected to excel on shorter-to-mid and intermediate routes, because this is where he was at his best when playing for the Bills in 2021. Hamler could be a great replacement for the departing wideout Jordan Matthews in Buffalo.

Percentage of Snaps In Slot

The percentage of snaps that receivers take in the slot can be a good indicator of their ability to run routes deep. However, it isn't always an accurate representation of a receiver's abilities because certain receivers excel in the slot but cannot play deep, and vice versa.

Alshon Jeffrey, for instance leads the league in the number of targets he receives per game (4.8) However, he's only 6th in slot receiving scores (58.5). This is due to the fact that most of his targets have come from the outside and it's hard to gain a first down on a wide-open deep route in that setting.

On the other hand, some receivers excel in playing inside and aren't able to do much on the perimeter. For instance, the Panthers gave Robby Anderson 978 snaps during the season, and he ran a whopping 74 percent of his slot routes, compared to just 26% on boundary routes. This is a huge difference that shows how much more productive Anderson is when he is aligned to the slot.

Moreover there is the Buccaneers' Chris Godwin lines in the middle on the majority of his passing downs, and has a top-five slot receiving score (58.5). He also ran 51% of his perimeter routes and is a master in one-on-one coverage.

Speed receivers tend to be more effective when they line up inside. They can be targeted further down the field and often face one-on-1 coverage. You'll find names like Mike Evans, Amari Cooper and Julio Jones in our top five.

On the flip side, we've got some great slot cornerbacks such as McDuffie and Moore in this group. Both have been able to create pressures during the passing game, with McDuffie leading the NFL with seven forced fumbles. Moore having the highest tackle stop rate on this list (-3.5). By deploying McDuffie in the slot when they are running nickel or dime packages and then deploying McDuffie on the outside in base defense, Spagnuolo has maximized his capabilities. Moore's ability to stop big run plays is a huge advantage when playing the slot.

Percentage of Snaps Outside

While top NFL receivers like Golden Tate, Larry Fitzgerald, and Baldwin excel on the perimeter but their slot counterparts are just as good. Wide receivers with an excellent slot grade score touchdowns in the same way as those on the perimeter. This is due to the fact that quarterbacks are more consistent with their target distribution when they throw to slot and outside wide receivers than other inside options such as backfield passers and tight ends.

It's also interesting to see a receiver such as CeeDee Lamb on this list in 2022 since he plays slot in three WR sets, and flanker in two of the sets. In fact the slot receiver is running a higher number of slot routes than most players listed on this chart. This is a great opportunity to increase matchup benefits for your team. It also helps to explain why Lamb is the top-rated online slots receiver in our system.

He also plays at the X-position, and can make big plays outside. Lamb isn't as explosive as the other players in this ranking but he is still a high-graded wide receiver who is a good fit in the Cowboys scheme.

Mecole Hardman is yet another example of a player who's capable of putting up huge numbers on both kinds of targets. He's among the best players in the game at catching throws from behind his shoulders. He's also a superb catcher who is contested.

Jalen Hilton is another player who is a slot specialist. He has lined up in this position on 85.7 percent his defensive snaps thus far in the season. He's allowed the third-lowest target EPA and the fifth-best run stop EPA for cornerbacks that are aligned in the slot, which makes him a crucial player in the defense of his team. On the other hand, he's struggled to stop passes from the outside and has given the negative EPA against these types of targets. This is because he's playing with linebackers and safety who cannot compete with Hilton's speed, size or route-running abilities.