2019 NFL Draft: Creating the perfect wide receiver corps

Z Receiver (Flanker): Hakeem Butler, Iowa State

The perfect Z receiver demonstrates the ability to play outside and threatening in the slot from time to time. Often aligned off the ball to the tight end side, the Z is often involved in a ton of motioning to attack different leverage points from defenders.

One wide receiver who has been viewed primarily as an outside receiver, but has some very good reps working in the slot, is Iowa State’s Hakeem Butler. Having been placed since mid-November as my WR2 of the class, Butler demonstrates an insane blend of size, power and vertical ability.

Taking the majority of the reps to the wide side of the field, the Z receiver is tasked most often with lining across from the most talented cover man on the opposing team. Speed is a trait usually associated with this spot, while lined up mostly off the line of scrimmage. Due simply to alignment, there is a need to eat up some serious cushion.

While Butler may never profile as your traditional field stretcher, his massive frame and long strides combine to make an enticing deep ball option. His 4.48-second 40-yard dash time at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine cements what the tape shows — an ability to get on top of defenders at a high rate.

Butler also shows the ability to have quality releases to beat press coverage, something that often plagues taller receivers. The alignment at Z can help to make certain that strength never becomes a weakness. While some may question the fit for Butler at the Z receiver spot, it is his size coupled with deep speed and inside/outside versatility that makes him a slam dunk selection as a part of my dream wide receiver corps.