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NY Giants’ Draft: 3 best draft picks of the Dave Gettleman era

By Stephen Samra

Saquon Barkley of Penn State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #2 overall by the New York Giants during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Saquon Barkley of Penn State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #2 overall by the New York Giants during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 29: Darius Slayton #86 of the New York Giants looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on December 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 29: Darius Slayton #86 of the New York Giants looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on December 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

1) Darius Slayton, 2019

Drafted 171st overall in the 2019 Draft, Gettleman made Auburn’s Darius Slayton the 18th receiver taken. A speedster while playing for Gus Malzahn’s Tigers, he fell due to concerns that he just couldn’t consistently make NFL-level catches.

Slayton put those concerns to bed his rookie season – showing chemistry with fellow rookie Daniel Jones to the tune of 48 receptions, 740 yards and 8 touchdowns. His big play ability has continually been on display – six of his eight touchdowns over twenty yards of distance.

His sophomore season didn’t feature the same gaudy stats, as the team’s offense as a whole took a step back. Now with the addition of Kenny Golladay and another year to grow in Jason Garrett’s offense, his numbers should more closely resemble his rookie season.

The field should open up for Slayton in ways he’s never seen before – defenders adjusting their focus to the Giants’ new weapons. He should quickly be able to remind the football world why he was considered such a steal as a fifth round pick.

The best bang for your buck pick of Gettleman’s tenure is Slayton – his role as Jones’ safety-blanket and his ability to take the top off the defense will be invaluable. That’s pretty good for a pick originally thought to just be another monotonous day three pick.

Next. Dave Gettleman's 3 worst draft picks. dark

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