5. Selecting Darius Slayton in the 5th round of the 2019 draft
When Dave Gettleman and the New York Giants decided to select the speedy Darius Slayton with the 171st overall pick in the fifth round of the 2019 draft, it went unnoticed, with the exception of a few experts calling it a potential steal. Slayton’s speed was unquestioned, but a history of dropped balls and route running gaffs in college caused him to slip down the draft board.
After enduring issues with dropped balls in rookie training camp, Slayton was able to make the appropriate corrections to his game to impress in training camp and the preseason. Injury would cause him to miss the first two games of the season, but Slayton would get his first NFL start in week three against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, coinciding with the first career start of quarterback Daniel Jones.
Jones and Slayton have shown a comfort level this season that suggests the duo could be dangerous for years to come for the Giants. Due to a plethora of injuries to the receiving corps, the rookie Slayton has been pressed into action much earlier than anticipated, but the results have been impressive.
On the season, Slayton has 27 receptions for 394 yards and five receiving touchdowns. His Week 11 effort was his most impressive, when he had 115 receiving yards and two touchdowns against the New York Jets. Given where he was drafted and how far he has come already as a rookie wide receiver, the selection of Slayton has to be considered a major success for Gettleman.