ESPN recently recognized Darius Slayton as the most underrated NFL wide receiver, emphasizing his strong but often overlooked contributions for the New York Giants. The announcement came as part of ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz’s series identifying the most underrated players at every position in the league.
Slayton’s Steady Performance Despite the Giants’ Changing Receiving Corps
The Giants stirred excitement last offseason with their selection of Malik Nabers sixth overall, who followed up with a record-breaking rookie campaign. However, ESPN pointed to Slayton, a veteran presence in the Giants’ wide receiver group, as a crucial yet underappreciated asset. Schatz noted Slayton’s surprising impact since being drafted in the fifth round in 2019, where he quickly made his mark with eight touchdown catches in his rookie season.
Throughout his first five years with New York, Slayton has consistently delivered, posting four separate seasons with over 700 receiving yards. He maintained an average of at least 15 yards per reception across those campaigns, accumulating 19 touchdowns, 220 receptions, and 3,324 yards in total. Last year, Slayton played all 16 games, catching 39 passes for 573 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing reliable production in a veteran role.
Giants’ Commitment to Slayton Supported by Analytics
During the offseason, the Giants secured Slayton’s future by signing him to a new multi-year contract. ESPN praised this move, highlighting advanced metrics that back the decision. According to Schatz, Slayton has posted a positive receiving defense-adjusted value over average (DVOA) for the past three seasons. This level of efficiency is notable given he has not had the benefit of playing with elite quarterbacks consistently.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Slayton is expected to continue as a deep threat opposite Malik Nabers, with quarterbacks Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, or Jaxson Dart under center. Schatz projected another quietly productive and surprisingly efficient year for Slayton in this role.
ESPN’s List of the NFL’s Most Underrated Players by Position
Alongside Slayton, ESPN named other underrated players across the NFL at various positions, underscoring talent that may be overlooked league-wide:
- Quarterback: Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
- Running Back: Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers
- Wide Receiver: Darius Slayton, New York Giants
- Tight End: Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders
- Offensive Tackle: Garett Bolles, Denver Broncos
- Interior Offensive Line: Elgton Jenkins, Green Bay Packers
- Interior Defensive Line: Zach Allen, Denver Broncos
- Edge Rusher: George Karlaftis, Kansas City Chiefs
- Linebacker: Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Cornerback: Christian Benford, Buffalo Bills
- Safety: Taylor Rapp, Buffalo Bills
- Specialist: Corey Bojorquez, Cleveland Browns
The Significance of Slayton’s Role Moving Forward
Darius Slayton’s recognition as the most underrated wide receiver highlights his steady production amid a shifting Giants offense. His ability to maintain high yardage averages and contribute touchdowns consistently makes him a valuable building block for the team’s future. With continued opportunities and a new quarterback lineup, Slayton is well-positioned for a breakout season, helping solidify the Giants’ receiving corps alongside Malik Nabers.