Comparing Darius Slayton's rookie year to past NY Giants greats

Comparing Darius Slayton’s rookie year to past NY Giants greats

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 09: Darius Slayton #86 of the New York Giants makes a first down reception ahead of Ronald Darby #21 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

2. Darius Slayton (2019) vs Ike Hilliard (1997)

Ike Hilliard is one of the most underrated players in franchise history. After being taken with the No. 7 overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft out of Florida, his rookie season was cut short when he sprained an interspinous ligament between his sixth and seventh vertebrae. The injury required an 8th-month rehabilitation period.

Although his rookie season ended after just two receptions for 42 yards, Hilliard would bounce back in year two with 51 receptions and 715 yards, and in year three he would set career highs with 72 receptions, 996 yards, and 3 touchdowns.

Despite bruised lungs and a bruised sternum in 2000, Hilliard would notch 8 receiving touchdowns including a 10-catch, 155-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Vikings in the NFC Championship Game.

Obviously Slayton’s rookie season still hardly compares to Hilliards, but Ike would leave the NY Giants in the Top-10 of both career receptions and yards and is still No. 10 on the franchise’s receiving yards list today.

Hilliard was an underrated component of those late 90s, early 2000s teams and still produced despite constant injuries.

Advantage: Slayton

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