Seahawks Football 101: The 3 different types of Wide Receivers

The Seahawks’ “Football 101” breaks down three wide-receiver roles: X, Y, and Z. The X-receiver, often the team’s bigger outside target, lines up next to the tight end, typically on the weak side and usually doesn’t motion before the snap. Seahawks examples given are DK Metcalf and Sidney Rice (both 6-foot-4; Metcalf 230 pounds, Rice 202; with 33+ inch arm lengths). The Y-receiver functions like a slot, working near the offensive tackle and running short-to-intermediate routes to exploit defenders. Examples include Doug Baldwin and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The Z-receiver is a flanker, often speed-focused, positioned off the line and able to flex; Steve Largent and Tyler Lockett are cited.