The more I think about it, the more I think Pope is NOT a slot. He lacks wiggle and doesn't work the field well.
There needs to be more rubs and crossing routes where he can catch the ball while already moving horizontally, and hopefully hit a crease or get the edge. I don't think he has shaken anyone in 3 years, so I am not expecting it now.
Seems like no matter who the OC is, we don't run these types of routes. This year, I think it at least partially has to be attributed to King's height (lol at 5'11 in the media guide). Brees was the goat at finding throwing lanes. Russ is Russ. Kyler is taller and more accurate in general. 5'9 guys just aren't gonna work the middle of the field well, generally speaking.