Former Falcons coach Mike Smith used to regularly attend Greater Atlanta Christian’s high school football games.
While strolling the field before practice one day, Smith, unsolicited said, “You have to go see this Darius Slayton kid. You’ll love him. I think he’s going to Auburn.”
Smith, who’s daughter attended GAC, on other occasions gave updates on Slayton, who played defensive back and wide receiver for the Spartans.
Fast forward four years and Slayton, after a redshirt year and playing three seasons at Auburn, is now ready for the NFL draft, which is set for April 25-27 in Nashville, Tenn.
"I feel that the process has gone really well for me," Slayton told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution via phone before attending the Falcons' locals day on Friday. "I've been able to showcase my abilities. I felt like I put my best foot forward throughout this entire process. I'm looking forward to the draft."
Slayton, who’s 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, played 1,824 snaps in college. He caught 79 of 165 targets (47.9 percent) for 1,605 yards and 11 touchdowns. Slayton gained 575 of his receiving yards after the catch. His yardage total left him ranked 11th among Auburn career leaders.
Slayton, who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds in last month’s scouting combine in Indianapolis, caught 35 passes for 670 yards and five touchdowns his last season at Auburn.
“Outside guy who does a nice job of getting off the line of scrimmage,” NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said. “Has a nice stutter (step and) release. He does a nice job of adjusting to the ball on his back shoulder.”
Credit: Jason Getz
Credit: Jason Getz
Jeremiah pointed to Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham’s inconsistent play, which helped to keep Slayton’s production down.
“One of the things that will get me to Stidham, there are a lot of plays on (the tape) where (Slayton’s) uncovered, but the ball doesn’t make it to him,” Jeremiah said. “I think there is some upside with him beyond what you see. I think there is some more there.”
In a crowded wide receiver market, Slayton’s fast 40-yard dash time created a buzz.
“It was nice,” Slayton said. “I was actually hoping to run a little faster than that. It was still a good time, so I was pleased with it.”
Slayton believes his skills translate to the NFL.
“I think the most obvious attribute that I have is speed, but also I have a high football intelligence and IQ,” Slayton said. “I have really good hands as far as tracking the ball and being able to catch and run with the ball are probably some of my strong points.”
Slayton watches and studies the top NFL receivers.
“I definitely study all of the best, like Julio Jones, DeAndre Hopkins and the Antonio Browns of the world,” Slayton said. “They are definitely the most elite guys. I also try to study guys that are closer to my skill-set and my frame. Guys like Stefon Diggs and DeSean Jackson. Guys that have similar traits to me.”
Slayton has had “a couple” of private workout set up with teams, but his agent ordered him not to reveal the specifics.
Slayton averaged more than 20 yards a catch and showed off his blazing speed in Auburn’s 63-16 flogging of Purdue in the Music City Bowl. He caught three passes for 160 yards in his farewell game. He elected to skip his senior season to enter the draft.
Slayton has been on a mission to convince NFL teams that he more that just a speed merchant.
“When you turn on the film, I definitely showed the ability to create separation against even the best talent in the SEC on a consistent basis,” Slayton said. “I’m definitely confident in my ability to create separation from (defensive backs) to get open.”
Auburn’s offense was a bit dysfunctional in 2018 after a strong 2017 campaign.
“I had a really good quarterback (in Stidham), but we didn’t always execute at a high level,” Slayton said. “There is a lot that goes into that like blocking and things of that nature, but as far as myself, I just tried to go out there and always be open for my quarterback whenever he needed me.”
Slayton was aware that Smith was a fan.
“I appreciated all of the support from the people who supported me in high school and in college,” Slayton said. “If I end up being an Atlanta Falcon, I look forward to trying to bring a championship to the city of Atlanta.”
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