Darius Slayton is still vital to the New York Giants offense

When the New York Giants drafted Darius Slayton in the fifth round, they could have never predicted that he would lead the team in receiving yards each of the next two years.

Fast forward two seasons — both filled with injuries to veteran wideouts like Sterling Shepard and Golden Tate — and Slayton has emerged as Daniel Jones‘ top deep threat.

But after an offseason focused on upgrading a depleted wide receiver group, Slayton’s role in New York is in doubt. The Giants signed Kenny Golladay and John Ross in free agency and drafted Kadarius Toney with the No. 20 overall pick in the draft. Head coach Joe Judge called Shepard after the draft to assure him that he was a part of the team’s plans moving forward, but Slayton did not receive a similar call.

However, Slayton is not preoccupied with his place on the depth chart.

“I don’t really worry about it,” Slayton said. “I try to go out there and be my best every day I can be, and I plan to serve whatever role this team has for me. I’m focused on trying to make sure I know all my plays … when my name is called.”

There is a good chance that the influx of talent will actually help Slayton’s production. In two seasons in blue, Slayton posted 1,491 yards on 98 receptions, an incredible average of 15.2 yards per catch. In other words, he is a constant deep threat but lacks the route-running ability to consistently get open for short passes.

That flaw stood out on an offense that severely lacked playmakers. Jones often forced the ball to Slayton even in tight coverage because there were no other reliable options, and Slayton ended up catching only 52 percent of his targets.

His best games came when his catch percentage improved, not necessarily when he saw more targets. In Week 1 against Pittsburgh, Slayton caught six of nine targets for 102 yards and two touchdowns.

But Slayton should have an easier time getting open next year. Golladay and Toney will draw the attention of opposing teams’ top cornerbacks, and Slayton can continue to carve out a niche as a big play threat. His speed creates mismatches in man coverage that Jones, an excellent deep passer, will exploit.

“They’ll be on the field at the same time, different times,” Head Coach Joe Judge said of Darius Slayton and the new receivers. “Everybody on the team affects the other by the way they work and how they produce.”

“We’re bringing players in to help this program. The better each player plays, the more it helps each player on the team.”

Slayton agreed that the improved roster will help him develop his skills.

“I’m excited about all the guys they brought in,” he said. “I think you should take a ‘the more the merrier’ mindset. It’s never a bad thing to have a bunch of talented guys in one room.”

Image courtesy of Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

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