Quote:No they aren't.

 

Exceptions mean there is a rule... and there is no rule.

 

They are two examples... and if I really felt like it I'm sure I could dig through the internet to find more examples of smaller receivers playing outside and being successful. But you have the point to prove not me.

 

Wide receivers can, will, and do, line up all over the field. Outside, left, right, slot, second slot..... hell even the back field.

 

You try to create mismatches against the D.

 

It isn't like corners are big guys... so you don't really NEED an extra 4-6 inches of height. Does it help? Sure. But WRs and pass catching TEs can, and do, line up all over.

Your skills and the defenses you face decide where the coaches put you. Not your height, weight, age, etc.

 

Kane, you are dead right on this but you are talking to two walls.

 

Here is a great breakdown of how Calvin Johnson is used all over the field. Calvin "6'5 236" Johnson lines up out of the slot quite a bit.

 

Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions keep opposing defenses guessing

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000...s-guessing

 

"The slot receiver is the most difficult pass catcher to defend because he has a "two-way go" on every play. Defenders can't play with proper leverage on the slot receiver, as most offenses feature a series of option routes, which allow the receiver to break opposite the defender's position at the top of the route.

 

With Johnson in the slot, the Lions are able to attack the middle of the field with their most dangerous playmaker. This tactic enables them to exploit some of the double-coverage schemes that defensive coordinators use to stop dangerous receivers on the outside, leading to more single-high safety looks from the defense."

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