Articles

By Michael J Basile AKA @MdoubleJB

The New York Giants selected wide receiver Darius Slayton out of Auburn over the weekend.  With the departure of Odell Beckham JR and addition of Golden Tate, the receiving corp lost a ton of speed.  

Sterling Shepard and Golden Tate are possession type players to go along with Engram at Tight End. The Giants desperately needed someone that can take the top off the defense from the WR spot.  The 6’1” 190lbs former sprint champion offers exactly that with his 4.39 second 40 yard dash time.

This pick is an example of GM Dave Gettleman giving coach Pat Shurmur an explosive player at a bargain price; however, his hands are a bit inconsistent. He should be able to keep defenses honest when he is on the field if he shows he can catch the ball.

Pros:

 – Top end speed 

– Legitimate big play/deep threat (19.5, 22.2, 19.1 yards per reception at Auburn.

 – Plays taller than he is with a great catch radius 

– Yards after catch/ability to make defenders miss as he gets upfield quickly 

Cons:

 – Suspect hands 

– Should create more separation coming out of his routes based on his athleticism.

 – Overall route running 

 – Lack of physicality 

For a 5th rounder, this is a player who can certainly be a steal if the coaches develop his route running and he continues to work on his craft.  I think the selection here is a nice scheme fit as well with the other players currently on the offense.