Giants WR Darius Slayton is Primed for a 2021 Breakout

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton is coming off of a sophomore season that left much to be desired. The Giants offense was depleted last season. Both receivers Sterling Shepard and Golden Tate missed four games. Tight end Evan Engram proved to have an issue with drops that caused him to at times disappear in the offense, even while appearing in all 16 games.

This led all eyes to be on Slayton. He had the opportunity to become the true number one receiver in this offense, but was unable to do so. This could be attributed to multiple things, from injuries to always having to deal with the opposing team’s best defenders.

The issues that Slayton faced in 2020 could also be attributed to a poorly ran offense. With the loss of running back Saquon Barkley to a torn ACL and other receivers missing time, Slayton and the entire offense were forced into a spot that they weren’t prepared to be in.

Slayton was still able to haul in passes downfield. He averaged 15 yards per reception for the second-consecutive season. His biggest struggle was reaching the end zone. After scoring eight times during his rookie campaign, Slayton reached the end zone just three times in 2020. Two of those scores came in the first game of the season.

The offense looks to be different in 2021. The Giants have added key players and will be getting quality play-makers back. Here’s why Darius Slayton could be the breakout player of 2021. 

A New Look Offense

The Giants have crafted a receiving corps that will be extremely different from what they had in 2020. Former Detroit Lions receiver Kenny Golladay will look to be the new WR1 in New York, after signing a four-year deal.

The Giants then used the 20th pick in the draft to bring in explosive Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney. The rookie will look to be used as a gadget player and will be active all over the field, both in and out of the slot.

The tight end group will also be a centerpiece on this offense, with long-time Minnesota Viking Kyle Rudolph choosing to sign with the Giants. He will join Pro Bowler Evan Engram, who will look to prove that he can be a quality tight end in New York after having a lackluster season. 

The Giants will also get back Saquon Barkley; The star running back missed most of last season. This caused the offense to lose its most vital piece. He adds a layer to this offense that defenses must prepare for, which is something they didn’t have to do last season. Barkley’s contribution to both the running and passing game is clear. He hauled in 90 receptions in his rookie year and 50 in his second. He is able to impact the passing game just as much as a wide receiver will.

Sterling Shepard back will also be ready to go in 2021. Shepard was arguably the best receiver in New York last season, and defenses won’t be able to ignore him.

Why Darius Slayton Will Breakout

With these new pieces on this offense, Slayton will be placed in the best position of his career. Defenses will be focused on both Barkley and Golladay, which will leave Slayton to do what he does best — make an impact downfield. 

Defense will be unable to stack the box, due to the threat of Golladay. The presence of Golladay puts weaker coverage on Slayton, after he struggled with CB1 coverage last season. All signs point to Slayton getting paired up against DBs that can’t keep up with him.

Golladay will be the lead receiver, but after that, it is not clear who will be up next. Shepard works primarily out of the slot. Toney will be used all over the field and won’t be placed in just one category within the offense.

Slayton could potentially be lined up against the second or third-best corner. This could lead to him making even more big plays in 2021.

This new offense led by Daniel Jones could prove to be a strong unit. It will take contributions from each piece. With big time players on this offense, Slayton should have all the opportunities needed to be a true breakout player. Keep an eye on the third-year receiver.