Flanker (Z Receiver)

What does Flanker Mean?

Sporting Charts explains Flanker

A Z receiver will be lined up off the line of scrimmage. Due to his speed, the Z receiver will get to catch a large number of passes. Secondly, the Z receiver's position on the right side of the quarterback means that a right-handed quarterback will pass to him instead of across his body to another receiver. During a running play, the Z receiver will have the responsibility of blocking defenders. A Z receiver can be placed in the position between the split end and the left tackle, at which time he will be referred to as a "slot back". Even though the Z receiver is referred to as a "slot back" in this position, the Z receiver still has the exact same responsibility.