Desean Jackson
Jaylen Waddle
Tyreek Hill
`When you see these names, you think of speed. You think of the space they create for an offense. You think of the fear they put into opposing safeties. These are not the guys you want catching 100 balls for 1100 yards. You want the chunk plays from this bunch. You want these guys catching 80 balls for 1400.
The Z wide receiver position also known as the Flanker, is typically used to threaten vertically and out in motion to create mismatches. The Z receiver lines up off the line of scrimmage, furthest away from the ball on the same side as the Tight End. With the Z receiver lining up off the line, it keeps the CB from being able to press and disrupt the receivers release, and allows the TE to be an eligible receiver. Motion is also a part of the tool box at the Z position.
Size is less of a factor when lining up at Z. The 3 examples listed above are all under 6 feet and under 200 pounds. The Z receiver can shift and motion either to the slot of across the formation. With jet sweeps, reverses, and orbit motion all on the table along with vertical routes, having some dynamic playmaking ability is at a premium for the Z position.
Here are some 2022 NFL Draft prospects that I think would excel playing the Z WR spot.
Calvin Austin III Memphis 5’8 170
Most receivers with the height/weight stature of Austin get slapped with the slot receiver label. I believe Austin can thrive on the outside as well. The two main reasons I’ve come to this conclusion is the route savvy and undeniable speed he shows on tape. He can create space for the offense with his ability threaten vertically. Austin also can be a serious problem in open space, which is why putting him in motion is a good idea.
Tyquan Thornton Baylor 6’2 181
Picture Tyquan Thornton ay the Z. Then picture him sent in motion to a reduced split. Now he’s facing a slot CB that is most likely NOT 6’2 and can’t press at the line of scrimmage. Sounds like a recipe for success to me. Tyquan Thornton’s 4.2 speed forces the Safety to honor him when he goes deep. That creates a ton of space for the run game and for other players underneath.
Jahan Dotson Penn State 5’11 178
Jahan Dotson is a player you want to designate as your movement Z. You want him crossing the formation pre-snap, taking advantage of the defense shifting coverage. Also Dotson running getting into his routes out of stack and bunch formations can be lethal. Dotson’s smooth route running and acceleration allows him to threaten vertically and snap off his route, creating separation in the intermediate range.
Chris Olave Ohio State 6’0 187
Chris Olave is a guy that offensive coordinators don’t need to get too cute with. He’s a natural route runner and separator, line him up and let him work. Olave gaining a free release off of formation is the gateway to him threatening a defense vertically at all times. What makes Olave such a tough cover is that if a DB does manage to stay over top of his routes, Olave effortlessly decelerates, snaps into an in or out breaking route and catches the ball right in front of you.
Jameson Williams Alabama 6’1 179
Last and most certainly not least on this list is Jameson Williams. If all gas and no brakes was a player, it would be Williams. What makes him special and ideal for the Z position is not only the top end speed, but the minuscule amount of time it takes to get to that top end speed. He eats up cushions with ease and shows that 3rd and 4th gear most players just don’t have. Williams running posts and deep crossers out of bunch sets is devastating to a defense. If they play off Williams can also take a 5 yard slant to the house. Good luck covering this guy.