During his rookie season as an undrafted free agent out of Florida, Buffalo Bills wide receiver David Nelson first turned heads after making the team with a strong pre-season. Then he went on to carve himself out a role as the team's slot receiver of choice, hauling in 31 passes for 353 yards and three touchdowns in 2010. Entering his second year, expectations are growing quickly for the 6'5" Nelson.
Just don't expect Nelson's role to expand out of the slot. According to the latest article from Pro Football Focus, no NFL wide receiver spent a higher percentage of his offensive snaps in the slot than Nelson, who edged out fellow rookie Jordan Shipley by lining up in the slot on over 94 percent of his snaps.
Heading into the 2011 season, Nelson's role will again be as a possession receiver (and the fourth receiver on the depth chart) out of the slot, where his long, lanky frame and outstanding hands make him a matchup nightmare. Roscoe Parrish, however, will be the team's slot receiver of choice; he also made the PFF study, ranking No. 15 in the NFL last season in yards per reception (11.6) out of the slot.