Former All-Pro Cromartie: Darius Slay 'Most Under Appreciated' DB In NFL

When it comes to the best defensive backs in the NFL, a handful of names always get mentioned. 

Patrick Peterson. Earl Thomas. Jalen Ramsey. Chris Harris. The usual suspects. 

For whatever reason, Darius Slay tends to get lost in the shuffle. Despite back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons, including an All-Pro nod in 2017, the Lions shutdown corner doesn't get the same national respect as most of his peers. 

And to think: Since 2014, Slay leads the NFL in passes defended (87) and is tied for second in picks (17). 

One DB who used to be among the best in the game was Antonio Cromartie, the four-time Pro-Bowler who spent the bulk of his career with the Chargers and the Jets. Cromartie, who retired in 2016, is here to give Slay his due. 

Taking questions from fans on his Twitter account, Cromartie was asked to name the most under appreciated defensive back in the league. 

Slay, he said. And it's been that way for a couple years. 

@_bigplayslay23 is the most under appreciated DB in the and has been the last couple years

When Cromartie was challenged by a fan that Slay isn't on the same level as the likes of Harris and Richard Sherman, he said, "Sher, Slay, Harris have been doing it for a while and they are still holding it down. There's No such thing as different levels. They all get the job done." 

To no surprise, Slay appreciated the shoutout.

Appreciate the love big homie!!!!! Just trying to be great✊-- https://t.co/AiV13CyZyA

Slay, 28, was rarely targeted in the Lions' season opener at Arizona, continuing a trend from the last couple seasons. In terms of signs of respect, that's about as good as it gets.