Since the Dallas Cowboys are in unsettled at slot receiver, what better time than now to address some commonly held misconceptions of the infamous Y-receiver

With the loss of Cole Beasley the Dallas Cowboys find themselves searching for their next great slot receiver. Whether it proves to be a free agent or internal option remains to be seen. But there are some arguments waging regarding which type of player fits the bill which does not. So we’re going to take this as an opportunity to clear up some common misconceptions:

Myth No. 1: Slot receivers are secondary options

People seem to be glazing over the importance of the slot receiver position on the Dallas Cowboys. Many see it as no more than a No. 2 or No. 3 option situated only slightly above an Ezekiel Elliott check down.

The reality is, the slot route was often times the primary option for the Dallas Cowboys. Progressions change every play and it’s not always Amari Cooper who’s the first read. Dak Prescott and the Cowboys passing attack leaned on Beasley heavily last year. So much so Beasley led the team in expected points. More than Cooper. And more than Zeke.

The idea that a slot receiver is less important than other offensive weapons is flat out wrong. No position is better situated to make plays (can break routes in any direction) and no receiver position faces a more favorable match-up on a consistent basis (often faces the No. 3 CB or even a LB).