Summary

Darius “Big Play” Slay was selected in Round 2 (#36 Overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State University. A multi-year starter in the SEC, Slay recorded 115 total tackles, 6 interceptions, and 23 passes defended during his collegiate career, earning First-Team All-SEC honors and establishing himself as a long, athletic cover corner. In the NFL, Slay has developed into one of the premier cornerbacks of his generation. Through the 2024 season, he has accumulated 600+ career tackles, 28+ interceptions, and 150+ passes defended, consistently shadowing top receivers. Slay has earned six Pro Bowl selections and First-Team All-Pro honors (2017), while serving as a defensive cornerstone for both Detroit, Pittsburgh, and the Philadelphia Eagles, including a key role in Super Bowl LVII. Slay is widely respected for his confidence, professionalism, leadership, durability, and competitive edge, as well as his willingness to mentor younger defensive backs.

Strengths

• Elite Man Coverage Ability: Comfortable shadowing top receivers across formations. Thrives in isolation matchups and welcomes elite competition.

• Fluid Athleticism: Smooth hips and quick feet allow clean transitions. Long strides allow recovery when slightly beaten.

• Ball Skills: Excellent timing and hands and consistently disrupts at the catch point.

• Route Recognition: Anticipates breaks and jumps routes in zone and match coverage. Extensive success against top-tier NFL receivers.

Weaknesses

• Age Curve: Athletic decline is a growing consideration in later career stages. Might be it for him after refusing to report to Buffalo when claimed from Pittsburgh.

• Physical Press Matchups: Can be challenged by bigger, power-based receivers. Best when not asked to press every snap.

• Run Support Consistency: Willing but not always physical downhill.

• Recovery Reliance: Relies on athleticism rather than pure physicality to recover.

Outlook

Slay is best suited for man-heavy or match-zone defensive schemes that allow him to use instincts, technique, and anticipation rather than constant physical press. He thrives when trusted to shadow top receivers, mix press-bail techniques, and leverage safety help strategically. Pairing Slay with younger, physical corners allows defenses to manage his workload while maximizing impact in critical situations. At this point in his career, Slay may be getting close to calling it quits. If he decides to keep chugging for another year, Slay remains a tone-setting veteran corner capable of elevating a secondary and delivering timely, game-changing plays.