Introduction
When it comes to NFL wide receivers, there are always new players that emerge as rising stars each year. Two of the most recent players to make a name for themselves are Darius Slayton of the New York Giants and Christian Watson of the San Francisco 49ers. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both players to see how they stack up against each other.
Darius Slayton
Darius Slayton was drafted by the New York Giants in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He was relatively unknown coming out of college, having played at Auburn and not being one of the top receivers in the draft class. However, Slayton quickly made a name for himself as a rookie, putting up impressive numbers despite playing on a struggling Giants team.
During his rookie season, Slayton played in 14 games and had 48 receptions for 740 yards and 8 touchdowns. He quickly emerged as one of the top targets for Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and provided a spark to the offense. Slayton’s speed and ability to make contested catches made him a threat down the field and in the red zone.
Heading into his second season, Slayton was expected to take on an even bigger role in the Giants offense. While he did have some strong performances, his numbers dipped slightly as the team struggled overall. Slayton finished the year with 50 receptions for 751 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Christian Watson
Christian Watson was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Francisco 49ers in 2021. He played college football at North Dakota State University and was a standout receiver for the Bison. Despite going undrafted, Watson was highly sought after by several teams and ultimately chose to sign with the 49ers.
During his time at NDSU, Watson was a big-play receiver who had a knack for making highlight reel catches. He finished his college career with 83 receptions for 1,799 yards and 14 touchdowns. Watson’s size and speed make him a dangerous threat down the field and he has the ability to make tough catches in traffic.
Comparing the Two Players
When it comes to comparing Darius Slayton and Christian Watson, there are several similarities and differences to consider. Both players have shown the ability to make big plays down the field and have the speed to be a deep threat. However, Slayton has more experience in the NFL and has proven himself to be a reliable target for his quarterback.
Watson, on the other hand, is a rookie who has yet to play in an NFL game. While he was highly regarded coming out of college, it remains to be seen how he will perform at the professional level. However, Watson’s physical tools and ability to make tough catches suggest that he has the potential to be a star in the NFL.
Another factor to consider is the teams that Slayton and Watson play for. The Giants have struggled in recent years and have not had a consistent quarterback, which has affected Slayton’s production. The 49ers, on the other hand, have a strong defense and a talented quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo, which could help Watson succeed early on in his career.
Conclusion
Overall, Darius Slayton and Christian Watson are two rising stars in the NFL who have the potential to be top receivers in the league. While Slayton has more experience at the professional level, Watson’s physical tools and potential suggest that he could be a breakout star in the coming years. It will be interesting to see how both players develop and what kind of impact they have on their respective teams in the future.