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

By Connor McJunkin

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)
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 Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

5. Darius Slayton (2019) vs Odell Beckham Jr. (2014)

It will be a long time before we see another rookie campaign that looked like that of Odell Beckham Jr’s in 2014. After playing in just 12 games, Beckham would go on to set franchise rookie records for receiving yards (1,305), receptions (91), and touchdowns (12).

There is a simple reason why OBJ just about doubled every one of Slayton’s numbers as a rookie and that’s because OBJ is not a normal talent. He is an elite receiver with elite hands and speed.

Although both Slayton and OBJ have similar builds and are speedy, big-play guys, OBJ is just more gifted and played with a veteran QB with a somewhat better offensive line – which certainly makes a difference.

That does not mean Slayton won’t have an incredible career moving forward, but they are just not on the same level, which is okay.

Slayton recorded six or more catches twice in his rookie year compared to OBJ’s nine. Beckham also racked up seven games with 100+ receiving yards, which alone would have given him more receiving yards than Slayton’s season.

If you just looked at OBJ’s last four games of the season, he would have had 43 receptions for 606 yards and 7 scores, almost equaling Slayton’s entire season.

Again, all of this isn’t to take away from the season Slayton turned in, but it is a great reminder that Beckham was/is a generational talent and those types of rookie seasons aren’t normal.

Slayton has primed himself to become the go-to wideout for Daniel Jones for years to come and ultimately put together a much more impressive career with the NY Giants – one filled with less drama, kicking nets, and playoff drops.

Advantage: OBJ

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