A slot is a position on a server that’s dedicated to one user. This can be a good thing if you’re running a small number of servers. It can also be a bad thing if you’re running a large number of users, as it’ll mean they’re competing for resources on the same server.
A Slot receiver is a special type of wide receiver that finds themselves on the field more often these days as offenses are moving away from fullbacks and towards more spread options. The position gets its name from where the player typically lines up pre-snap, positioning themselves a few steps in front of the last man on the line of scrimmage and in between the tight end or offensive tackle and the outside receiver. This spot allows them to do a lot of different things that outside receivers just can’t do.
The Slot can stretch the defense vertically with their speed, run shorter routes on the route tree (like slants), and can even be an effective blocker on running plays. Their primary job on passing plays is to help a deep threat receiver by acting as a decoy and drawing attention away from other safeties, nickel backs, or linebackers who might be positioned to cover them. Their role is even more important on running plays, where they can be crucial to sealing off outside linebackers and safeties. The Slot is a very important part of most teams’ offenses, and one that is becoming increasingly common in the NFL.