Wide receivers have a vital role on all run plays and are some of the most important blockers on the field because it takes 11 guys to make a big play. When watching an explosive run play, you will find that the wide receivers are usually busting their tail to make/hold a block so the running back can spring a big run. Russ Grimm, one of the best gap scheme coaches in the NFL, once said that when introducing a run play to his team he first addresses the wide receivers and their assignments because he knows they are important for turning the 10 yards runs into 50 yard runs. By addressing them first, he hopes it is shows them how important their blocks are in the run game. I believe that as a offensive coordinator or a wide receiver position coach, you need to set the tone that run blocking is the first thing that is looked at when it comes to playing time ("No block, No rock"). Alex Gibbs, the "Grandfather" of zone blocking, cuts very talented wide receivers that don't have the desire and will to block on run plays. Having a great desire and attitude to run block will carry over to other aspects of a wide receiver's game. Run blocking by the wide receivers isn't fun, it takes attitude, and it is very important.
