Trending: Darius Slay omitted from ESPN’s top-10 cornerback rankings

Many questioned if Eagles CB Darius Slay was still a premier corner in this league coming into last year.

He quickly abolished those notions.

Slay put together an All-Pro caliber season in 2021, shutting down top receivers while also finding his way into the endzone:

• 74.4 passer rating allowed when targeted
• 25.6 passer rating allowed in single coverage
• 33.4 receiving yards allowed per game
• 3 INTs, 3 TDs

Darius Slay against opposing pass-catchers last season:

• Calvin Ridley: 0 yards
• Kenny Golladay: 0 yards (twice)
• Amari Cooper: 6 yards
• Keenan Allen: 10 yards
• Antonio Brown: 14 yards
• DJ Moore: 14 yards
• Tyreek Hill: 15 yards#NotTop10 ✍🏽 pic.twitter.com/3PeaXEBhrF

— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) July 8, 2022

Despite Big Play Slay’s performance, coaches and executives alike don’t appear to view him as an elite defensive back. ESPN recently released their annual top-10 cornerback rankings and have Slay excluded from the list:

1. Jalen Ramsey
2. Marshon Lattimore
3. Jaire Alexander
4. Xavien Howard
5. J.C. Jackson
6. Denzel Ward
7. Pat Surtain II
8. Marlon Humphrey
9. A.J. Terrell
10. Trevon Diggs

ESPN was kind enough to have Slay listed as an honorable mention, however:

“Slay is a nine-year vet who made his fourth Pro Bowl in 2021 and, like White, he was a fixture in the rankings the past two years. But he has 15 pass deflections since joining Philadelphia two years ago. “His ability has held up pretty well, I don’t feel like he’s lost a major step [at age 31],” an AFC scout said. “Love Slay. I would just take others ahead of him due to ball production.””

At first glance, Trevon Diggs making the list ahead of Slay is questionable. Although the second-year player recorded a league-high 11 interceptions, he was also the third-most targeted corner and allowed over 1,000 yards in coverage.

While Slay may not produce the turnovers, his stinginess in coverage makes him a coveted asset in the secondary. Best believe the four-time Pro Bowler is keeping receipts as well. The omission will undoubtedly be used as fuel when Slay and new running-mate James Bradberry suit up next season.

Noted!! https://t.co/n8a942uTKA

— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) July 8, 2022

Mandatory Credit: Getty Images