New York Giants: The one offensive player we cannot sleep on

Finding value in the fifth round of the NFL Draft is very difficult, but skill-player positions have a higher probability of panning out in some fashion. For the New York Giants, they managed to secure a productive pass-catcher in Auburn product, Darius Slayton, during the 2019 Draft.

Slayton began his young career with consistent drops during rookie camp, which troubled the Giants brass and fan-base. Since his jittery inception into the league, Slayton has been nothing but fantastic in every facet. His route tree continued to grow exponentially with every passing week, and he has become a staple on the offense with rookie quarterback, Daniel Jones.

At 2-10 on the season, it’s hard to find any silver linings, but the speedy pass-catcher has been a glaring one. The expectation is that he can develop into a No. 2 wideout on the team, slotting in nicely alongside Golden Tate and Sterling Shepard.

On Wednesday, New York Giants’ Slayton was asked how much his chemistry with Jones has grown, per NJ.com:

“Tremendously. There is nothing like game experience. Getting out there and playing against NFL competition, I think it’s grown a lot.”

As the 18th receiver drafted in 2019, he ranks second among the crop with five scores and sixth in yards with 520. A majority of the players in front of him were top three round picks.

“He’s a really good player and you’re able to see all the different things he can do on the field,” Jones said. “So, I think he’ll continue to step up and make plays … I think he’s done a really good job so far.”

With Golden Tate missing the first four weeks of the season and Sterling Shepard dealing with concussion symptoms virtually all year, Slayton has been a constant after missing the first two games of the season with a hamstring injury. His first game in the NFL saw him corral three receptions for 82 yards.

Since then, he has continued to develop and progress alongside Jones, becoming the future at the wide receiver position for the Giants and establishing himself as a building block. I fully expect him to continue proving his worth on the field, and Jones’ progression will only help him reach his potential in the long-run.