Seahawks Football 101: The 3 different types of Wide Receivers

Wide receivers. They seem to come in all shapes and sizes. For awhile there the Seattle Seahawks had both DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, who could not be more different in terms of size and skillset.

With those stark contrasts, it may make you wonder what exactly are the different kind of wide receivers? What roles do they play? That is the topic we will be tackling in today's Football 101. Let's get started!

X-Receivers: DK Metcalf/Sidney Rice

The X-receiver, also known as the split end receiver, is typically the bigger target for the quarterback outside of the tight ends. They do line up next to the tight end, and frequently on the weakside of the line close to the boundary. Oftentimes, the X-receiver is the most talented receiver on the team and is seen as WR1. They do not motion prior to the snap, and often are the biggest receivers on the team that face 1-on-1 coverage.

Two past examples of X-receivers on the Seahawks are DK Metcalf and Sidney Rice. Both receivers were 6'4", with Metcalf coming in at 230lbs and Rice at 202lbs, and both having over 33 inch arm lengths. They used their big bodies and wide wingspans to catch passes coming their way on the boundary.

DK METCALF!!! SEAHAWKS TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/RAgxydWPcB

- Seattle ON Tap (@SeattleONTap) December 26, 2021

Y-Receivers: Doug Baldwin/Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The Y-receiver, or the slot receiver, is a player who takes on the role a tight end generally would, or in some cases are the tight end. They line up next to the offensive tackle and on run plays will often assist in run blocking, but on pass plays will run short-to-intermediate routes like drags, slants, seams, as well as option routes with the goal of taking advantage of linebackers and safeties.

Both Doug Baldwin and Jaxon Smith-Njigba have played this role perfectly. Though both have lined up in different receiving roles, the Y-receiver is their bread and butter. Smith-Njigba can be seen as the X-receiver at times for the current iteration of the team; when the wide receiver trio was Lockett, Metcalf and Smith-Njigba, he was typically the Y-receiver.

& well, I had to add this one, it might be more of a Russell Wilson video, but Doug Baldwin OF COURSE, was the man behind the catch.

One of the most wild plays ever. pic.twitter.com/ni0N2NcSbR

- Sami ON Tap (@SamiOnTap) November 16, 2023

Z-Receivers: Steve Largent/Tyler Lockett

Z-receivers, or flankers, are typically the speedsters, but not always. They line up off the line of scrimmage and can beat out any initial attempt to jam them within the first five yards of a route. Flankers do often get lined up outside like X-receivers but can be flexed out when needed.

Steve Largent and Tyler Lockett both have played the role of Z-receiver, using motion, precision route running, and football speed to get open and create yards after the catch. Largent was especially a master of route running, always finding a way to get open, and held many receiving records for the NFL as he went on his way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Nobody looked better in those @Seahawks throwbacks than Steve Largent pic.twitter.com/GofUJMnYuL

- NFL Films (@NFLFilms) June 6, 2023

Oh my goodness, Tyler Lockett!

How did Russell Wilson fit that in? Insane throw. Incredible catch. Wowwwpic.twitter.com/5o1GwW0hru

- Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 4, 2019

Receiver is such a multi-faceted role on the team. They may line up as either X, Y or Z for one play, but can change up their positioning for the next play to keep the opposing defense guessing. Smith-Njigba did that last year for the Seahawks.

Tell me, though, who is your favorite receiver you've watched play for the Seahawks? Who is your current favorite receiver on the team? Who do you think will have a break out season in 2026? Leave a comment down below, and let's have a great discussion!

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