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:
— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) July 8, 2022
• 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
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:
- Jalen Ramsey
- Marshon Lattimore
- Jaire Alexander
- Xavien Howard
- J.C. Jackson
- Denzel Ward
- Pat Surtain II
- Marlon Humphrey
- A.J. Terrell
- 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
