Behind Sterling Shepard and Golden Tate, there is an opportunity for somebody to step up and grab the Giants' No. 3 wide receiver spot. If rookie Darius Slayton performs in training camp this summer like he did this week, he'll have a shot.

By all accounts, the fifth-round pick out of Auburn had a strong minicamp this week, rebounding from what was a rough showing during rookie camp.

"The guy that's made huge improvements in my eyes has been Slayton, he's done a really good job," Giants coach Pat Shurmur said Thursday. "I think we were all here during rookie minicamp when he kind of had the yips, drops and what not. He's really smoothed it out and he's been making plays. He's the first guy that comes to mind. This time of year, it's more about throwing and catching and less about blocking and tackling. I think the young guys in the secondary have been competing, all of the new players. That's a good thing."

Corey Coleman figures to be the favorite for the third receiver spot, but Slayton is an intriguing prospect who some felt could've gone higher in the NFL Draft. He ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, and at 6-foot-1 he's a few inches taller than Shepard, Tate and Coleman.

Slayton feels he's built some early chemistry with fellow rookie Daniel Jones, and that was on display when the two connected for a deep completion down the sideline.

"It's been really good. Honestly, my job is pretty easy," Slayton said. "(Jones is) a really smart guy, he throws a great ball, it's on time. Like I said, that ball was a beautiful throw. "When you are working with a guy like that as a receiver it gives you a lot of confidence that all I have to worry about is getting open and he is going to put the ball where its needed."

It'd be foolhardy to make predictions about rookies' futures based off a few practices without pads. Slayton will have a lot to prove this summer to earn snaps, but he feels good about the foundation he and Jones laid this week.

"Definitely, I think because any receiver-quarterback combination like you said there has to be chemistry," Slayton said. "He's a really good player so I feel good about him now and going forward."

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