Is the Z receiver considered the slot receiver?
Context may lend itself, but could just as likely add to the confusion.
Going back, quite a ways back, the QB would primarily take the snap from under center. Given that the vast majority of them were right-handed the tendency was for the QB to pivot right as he began his drop-back. Which was naturally conducive for the QB to initially look & throw to the right. X, Y & Z is in part the English language reading left to right. Again, back when & as mentioned above, your X-WR would align to the left of the formation, Y is the TE, aligned predominantly to the right & then the Z-WR (primary), also aligned to the right. That's schematically speaking, think of a diagram.
I think it's important to mention what the tendency was. Although it isn't today, the mainstream jargon lends itself to the confusion. X, Y & Z correlated with skillset, the X-WR possessed the traits of a featured receiver, but not quite the prototype of a Z-WR primary. Again, with that right-handed mentality, your best WR would be aligned to the right (Z). Y is a spot on the field, the same as the '"slot" (S), an inside position. But he was always your TE.
The straight answer to your question is yes, a team's primary can line up all over the formation. However, context is most relevant because your source could be referring to a spot on the field, a player's skillset or even the guy getting the most targets. Thus, I suggest letting the letters go & roll with a player's traits. Mindset, ball skills, catch radius, size, speed, suddenness & change of direction. His ability to diagnose & leverage coverage, his rapport with his QB, can he track & elevate? Is he able to maintain his focus through contact, is he injury-prone?
I only have one share of McMillan, same is true of Pearsall, both are on my 3-4 team.
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