'Mr. Steady!' Daboll, Giants Leaning on Slayton's Leadership

The New York Giants will enter 2024 in need of a rebound from the passing attack, and they’ve made the moves necessary to inspire optimism.

Quarterback Daniel Jones remains in place, but he’s walking into perhaps the best situation of his career. Head coach Brian Daboll is calling plays, the offensive line improved at three separate spots, and LSU receiver Malik Nabers headlines the receiving room.

Nabers is likely the best weapon Jones has had the privilege of throwing to, but he may not be the quarterback’s favorite target just yet.

That title belongs to receiver Darius Slayton, fellow 2019 draftee and the team’s leading receiver from last season. In fact, Slayton has led the Giants in receiving in four of his five seasons, topping 700 yards in each of those team-leading campaigns.

Now, his role is more threatened than ever. New York won’t be keen on taking Nabers off the field, and Wan’Dale Robinson, entering Year 3, has the slot role locked up. Slayton has earned the right to start, but when second-year speedster Jalin Hyatt is on the field, the elder statesman of the room won’t be.

The Giants may rely less on his talent and more on his leadership this season – something Daboll spoke to on Tuesday.

“I would say a good amount,” Daboll said . “He's been here for a while. He's been consistent. He's a dependable player. The quarterback has a lot of trust in him. He's done everything we've asked him to do since I've been here. Was productive before I got here. He's been Mr. Steady for us. One of the steady guys offensively we've had here the last couple years.”

Like Hyatt, Slayton is at his best downfield, though his game has grown more well-rounded with time. It’s easy to see him as a fixture on third down and in the red zone, where Jones’ trust matters most. Nabers may be the most talented in the room, but when it comes to making timing throws and relying on the target to know when and where to be with precision, it’s natural for him to lean on Slayton.

Even so, Slayton is in a contract year. If Hyatt takes the steps fans are hoping for, he may be an even smaller piece of the offense than originally anticipated. But that doesn’t preclude Slayton from being the mentor this team needs.

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He might not be a captain, but Daboll confirmed the young receivers in the room have no problem leaning on him when necessary.

“Yeah, absolutely,” Daboll said. “Again, he's got a lot of experience playing, been productive, knows our system, and (they) have a lot of confidence in Slay.”