After a poor start to his career, which was highlighted by one of the worst rookie minicamps in ages, New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton has slowly established himself as a trust-worthy target and legitimate deep threat thanks to a solid rapport between himself and fellow rookie, quarterback Daniel Jones.
In his eight games this season, Slayton has hauled in 27 receptions for 394 yards and a team-leading five touchdowns. And he’s now coming off of a career-best performance against the New York Jets in which he hauled in 10 receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns.
But could Slayton’s star shine even brighter over the final seven weeks of the season? Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report certainly thinks so.
New York Giants: WR Darius Slayton
Take one guess as to who leads the New York Giants in receiving touchdowns.
Golden Tate, Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram would be logical choices, but they’re all incorrect. Instead, rookie fifth-round wideout Darius Slayton leads Big Blue with five touchdown catches.
Against the Jets in Week 10, Slayton had his best showing, hauling in 10 receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns. With Shepard still sidelined because of a concussion and Engram “day-to-day, week-to-week” with a mid-foot sprain, Slayton could build on that strong outing after the Giants’ Week 11 bye.
In the final quarter of the season, the Giants will play the Dolphins, Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles (twice). Each of those teams have allowed 15 or more receiving touchdowns, which ranks 17th or worse.
Until Shepard and/or Engram return, Slayton should see more targets from rookie quarterback Daniel Jones as they continue to develop a rapport. With porous pass defenses on the schedule at the end of the year, he has a chance to rank near the top of receiving categories among rookie wide receivers.
Even when Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram return, Slayton should continue to see a significant number of targets and downfield opportunities. It’s clear he’s not flash in the pan and could very well become the next in a long line of quality receivers churned out by the Giants.
[lawrence-related id=632802,632792,632775]