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Pleasant Surprise #2: Hakeem Nicks

by Rich Resch on March 1st, 2011 at 9:59 am

2. Hakeem Nicks

The original title of this list was Pleasant Surprises/ Breakout Players, but that doesn’t fit into one neat little headline.  As far as wide receivers go in the NFL, there may not have been a bigger breakout star than Hakeem Nicks, who quickly became the team’s #1 weapon in the passing game.

I’ll admit that when the Giants selected Nicks, I was underwhelmed.  At 6-0, he wasn’t the big receiver needed to replace Plaxico Burress.  But in the days following the draft, I began to warm to the pick, and eventually fell in love with his upside, describing him multiple times as “dripping with talent.”

After the flashes he showed his rookie season, I was expecting a big season from Nicks.  I predicted that he would be the Giants’ #1 receiver by the end of the season, and that he would lead the team in yards and touchdowns.  It didn’t take until the end of the season for Nicks  to become the Giants’ #1 receiver…it took about forty five minutes.  By the end of the third quarter of the Giants’ 2010 season opener, Hakeem Nicks had caught his third touchdown, and a statement had been made that Nicks was for real.

In the weeks that followed, Nicks showed that his first game explosion was no fluke.  By the time the Giants’ week eight bye week rolled around, Nicks had three 100 yard games, and three multi-touchdown games.  Nicks was becoming an absolute stud, on pace to put up one of the greatest seasons for a wide receiver in Giants history, and a near lock to make the pro bowl.  He struggled with drops, but his playmaking ability, especially in the red-zone, was bordering on elite status.

Unfortunately, Nicks missed three games due to injuries in the second half.  His final stat line of 79 receptions, 1052 yards and 11 touchdowns is fantastic, and was slightly better than what I had predicted over a full season.  Had he stayed healthy for the entire season, he was on pace for almost 100 receptions, 1300 yards and 14 touchdowns.  Nicks battled through lingering injuries, and despite the missed time, was arguably the team’s offensive MVP.

We knew Nicks had considerable talent, but not many people would guess that in just his second season, he would have developed to the point that he is now in the conversation for the top ten receivers in the NFL.

#3: Deon Grant

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About Rich Resch

Rich is a graduate of University of Maryland and is currently the senior editor of Giants Football Blog. He is a former contributor to Hot Foot Blog, and a former featured columnist on Bleacher Report. Hear him live on "Giants Rush," Wednesday nights at 9 on Blog Talk Radio. Follow him @RichResch View all posts by Rich Resch →
  • J. Williams

    Rich,nnYou might be the only one who was surprised by this. But he did pleasantly fill his expectations. He’s actually 6-1 but with his long arms and xxxl hands he has the height advantage of a 6-3 receiver. I think the Giants lack the right starting receiver combo but I’m still pulling for them to draft Greg Little, who’s pretty much does everything Nicks does.

    • Mickster

      J-Wil,nAre you a UNC alum? You love to honk these Tar Heels. nnJ and Jay,nDon’t know why you two want another receiver, with so many other immediate needs and depth issues. Seems you both have envy for Dez and DeSean. This is probably why you both want another corner too – to shut those two down. I understand that.nnBut with only 6 picks, and only 3 meaningful ones, I’d rather concentrate on other positions. For me CB and WR would be luxury picks, and we don’t have the luxury of ignoring our glaring needs at LB, and soon-to-be needs at O-line. We will need depth at DT with Joseph unproven, Cofield probably leaving, and Bernard too fat. Safety, running back and tight end are also concerns. nnAnd J-Wil, nDoesn’t drafting a WR and/or CB early go against your argument of why we SHOULDN’T have drafted JPP last year?

      • J. Williams

        Mickster,nnI’m actually a CCNY alum. Lol. But as far as the Tar Heels, they just got a lot of great guys that look great both in the drills and on film. I caught one game this year and the LB corp just looked great. I felt like I was watching the NCAA’s version of the 2000 Ravens. nnGreg Little was the strongest WR there, which we all knew anyway. But he lost stock due to some shotty interview work and will fall to day three if he gets drafted at all. He’s got everything you like about Nicks minus maybe the character. And he’s taller and stronger. These two men-among-boys on the field together could really hurt secondaries… literally, like put folks in the hospital. nnnWere the Giants to have a shot at an A.J. Green or Julio Jones, it wouldn’t go against my JPP argument. While the Giants have that pool of WR talent you can argue that Manningham hasn’t shown the wares to be the full time X-reciever. So there is still a need there. IMO, there was only depth/developmental need at DE last off season. nnNow Little doesn’t fill that need so I’m being hypocritical, but remember he’s a late rounder not an early pick.nnAs for CB, it doesn’t go against my JPP argument because, imo, there is a HUGE impetus for the Giants to react to the proliferation of top tier receivers in the NFC East. That means at least one shut down, man cover corner in the team. Bailey has re-signed with Denver. So it’s Asomughi in free agency or a high draft pick.

        • J. Williams

          Add to that the fact that there’s a lot of depth (really each draft becomes less top heavy) and a smart drafting team can get starters and future starters in every round of this draft.nnWhich is really the most egregious thing about last year’s draft. There were so many linebackers. And all the Giants managed to walk away with was… Phillip Dillard. What a joke.nnAs far as DT, stop signing bad players and keep your found treasures like Barry Cofield. If he wants too much money, his loss, but you’ll find a DT in round 2 or 3. Joseph will be fine. And Canty can still start.

          • Mickster

            Yeah, its easy to find one player in a draft that totally goes against your philosophies.nnUNC looked like the Ravens, but weren’t they playing vs. the ordinary ACC? I look like Michael Jordan when I’m playing hoops vs. my 7 year old son. You might be right, but when you have Quinn, Sturdivant, Burney and Deunta Williams on the field at once, it’s a tall order for anyone.nnReese & co. really botched the LB need last year, and the year before (Sintim – a DE), and the year before that . . . nnA guy we might want to consider at 19 is DT Corey Liuget from Illinois. John has convinced me that Cofield’s gone – too bad, he’s been terrific. So depth is an issue, and he’s a 3-gapper who may eventually replace Canty. He grew up in Miami, and south Florida guys are always welcome.

          • J. Williams

            Mickster,nnWell, again, Little doesn’t totally go against my philosophy because he’s a day 3, maybe late day 2 pick.nnAnd imo, the need for a shut down corner is dire. Huge. The difference between the Giants dminating the Cowboys and Eagles and being dominated by them.nnI think I watched the tar Heels against TCU if I’m not mistaken, but my memory is foggy. I just remember the LBs being all over the place – in a good way.nnI wouldn’t spend the high pick on Luiget. There’s too many talented defensive lineman in this draft and much bigger needs on the Giants. If Cofield leaves, than take Nevis in the second round. You want a DE take Bailey in the 3rd of 4th. Those are quality players. Take Romeus on the mend as a day 3 pick. That’s developmental value. But DeSean Jackson, and Dez Bryant, and Brian Orakpo and Bradey james are here now. Today. They should address the immediate needs on a win-now team.

          • Mickster

            Webster, Thomas and Ross are here now. Nnamdi will absorb HUGE cap room. No way Mara/Tisch are gonna spend that when they have to pay for the new stadium and there are 20 FAs of our own that either need re-signing or replacing. Did you drink some of Jayman’s Nnamdi-Flavored-Cool-Aid? I think our defensive backfield is the best in the NFC east. I don’t mind supplementing it, but I’m against shooting the whole wad on Nnamdi.nnO’Hara, Seubert, and McKenzie are here now, but will ALL be gone after next year. Who replaces them? Will Beatty, Mitch Petrus, and Adam Koets? AKA, “Soft”, “Hustle”, and “Versatile”. Where’s “Good”? We need to draft “Good” on day one or day two.nnNot sold on Luiget, just speculating. I still believe in Best Player Available, but among positions of immediate need or depth need. Again, I’d love a LB, but not sold on Wilson, and don’t want the others. I like Luiget’s quickness.nnOK since I slammed you in the first paragraph here, I feel guilty so I’m gonna take a closer look at your guy Little.

  • jaymanjd

    Nicks is great but he is not a Number 1. He is not in that mold. He is much closer to Boldin than to Andre Johnson type. This is not dismissing Nicks by any means I just think he is built for the slot position. He is elusive, stong and has big hands making him perfect for across the middle type routes kind of like Keyshuan Johnson used to do. My point is he is an Boldin type. What we need is a Big meaning 6″3 and up burner for Eli to throw to. Someone Teams must account for going Deep. Someone they must help out and double in coverage. Guys like Calvin Johnson, Andre Johnson, fizgerald, Moss. Plax gave us that and we were so much better for it. An elite burner at WR does for the offense what an elite lock down corner can do for a defense. A WR like that can grab the entire attention of a secondary allowing the running game to open up and for you guys like Nicks to have wide open down the middle shots. Like I said before I think the giants should take a LT if they stay at 19. Either Castonzo because he the surest bet or Solder because he has the highest ceiling. However, if reese wants to make a real statement I would not complain if he traded up into the lottery for a guy like Julio Jones or AC Green. Guys like that could put Eli back in the pro bowl and make up for an aging Offensive line. nnIf the giants stay at 19 you take LT. If they trade up I think the only guys worth it are Petterson, AJ Green, Prince, or Julio Jones. These are almost sure bet game changers. In fact judging by their combine numbers Julio Jones might have surpassed Green in my book. Now I don’t want anyone talking about Ayeers anymore the guy was terrible in his combine. He ran terrible 40 and we expect this guy to keep up in a 4-3 defense please. That guy has 3-4 written all over him. And as far as trading up for Miller the guy is clearly a 3-4 LB. This draft is heavy with 3-4 LB and DE/OLb tweeners we don’t need them. There is a guy at LB who might fill the Mold of a 4-3 guy and thats Houston who has the speed and size to do it.

  • BIG BLUE

    Nicks is a legit #1 receiver. PERIOD!!!!! His numbers prove that fact. The Giants already have a slot receiver in Steve Smith and a soon to be legit #2 in Mario Manningham. All three Giants’ receivers have great hands, great route running and find the end zone. nBig receivers like the Johnsons, Marshall and Fitzgerald do command double teams. But! If you’re looking to stretch the field in a hurry. You don’t need 6’3”/225lb. receivers. Look at Carolina’s Steve Smith and Philadelphia’s DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin.nThe Giants actually need more production out of the TE position. The Giants TEs are assets in the running game, but they need to open up the middle of the field in the passing game and crossing routes. Boss 35rec. in 15 games and Beckum 13rec. in 16 games is nothing to brag about.nAt #19 in the NFL draft. The Giants should go DE or LB first. If those prospects aren’t there, then go for an OL, Pouncey if he is there.nHere’s an idea. The Giants should sign the recently released ex-Bears’ DT Tommie Harris. Then the Giants can concentrate on LB and OL postions during the draft. I wouldn’t mind a RB at #19 either. Alabama’s Ingram or Illinois’ Leshoure would definitely help.

    • Mickster

      Good take. I agree on all you said except taking another DE at 19. Since the rest of your post is on the mark, I’ll assume you mis-typed.

      • BIG BLUE

        See my reasoning for a DE at #19, in my response to J Williams.

    • J. Williams

      Blue,nnI agree with you on some points and disagree on others. While Nicks is a number 1 receiver in terms of putting up great numbers and having great hands, his skill set actually is that of possession a receiver, a la Anquan Boldin. He just happens to have more YAC ability then most possession receivers. He’s extremely strong, not very fast, and fearless to go over the middle. But he can’t consistently get separation and open up the top of the defense. And that’s the reason why you like to have the combination of a flanker (possession receiver) and a split end (X receiver). A top tier split end commands a double team which takes one of your safeties out of the box and opens up the game for you RBs, TEs, and other receivers. If not, he at least occupies a large amount of a safety’s attention. He dramatically effects the game without even catching the ball.nnIn comparison, you can’t really name a time that Hakeem “The Human Highlight Reel” Nicks has been double-teamed. Because as great as he is, he doesn’t have the speed to command a double team. Andre Johnson on the other hand does.nnIt is true that the split end does not have to be a big guy. DeSean jackson is one of the most dangerous split ends in the game and he’s not 6 feet. nnManningham had his chance to take the starting split end job this season with all the injuries and, though he flashed, he proved to be pretty inconsistent – and hasn’t shown me enough that I wouldn’t look at, at least a late round WR that has starting potential.nnBlue, I’d love to hear your theory as to why the Giants should go DE with the 19th pick? Do you just… like… want every player on the team to a DE? Should the Giants have like 30 first round DEs on the teams? What’s going on here?

      • Mickster

        lol. It must be a conspiracy!!!

      • BIG BLUE

        Manningham played in all 16 games in 2010. Starting only 8 games for the Giants and had 60 catches for almost a 1,000 yards and 9tds.nNicks and Manningham did alot of damage without Manning’s “security blanket” Steve Smith out for the year. Picture the numbers Nicks and Manningham would have had in 2010. If opposing defenses had to account for Smith being on the field and Nicks not getting injured. Manningham has improved every year since being drafted in 2008.nAs for my theory on the DE position. Umenyiora is 31 and Kiwanuka is most likely finished for his career. Because of that neck injury. DE is a logical choice in my opinion. Rotating Pierre-Paul, Tuck, and possible 2011 draft picks Ryan Kerrigan or Justin Houston would be ideal. Pierre-Paul and Kerrigan on the edges while moving Tuck on the inside with Cofield or Joseph on occasion would create havoc. Same concept with Justin Houston.nP.S. I didn’t know the Giants had 30 first round DEs on the team. (LOL)

        • J. Williams

          Blue,nnWell I never said that Manningham didn’t produce. He did. Like I said, he flashed and made a lot of big plays. But the consistency wasn’t there. He left a lot of balls on the ground or couldn’t get open at critical times which certainly did contribute to Giants’ collapse in its own right. He could have been pressing. And if you think the Giants should stay away from WR in the entire draft then I can respect that. But imo, if you can get a Greg Little (who has top10 talent) late in the draft, then you pull the trigger. He’ll start year 1.nnAs far as the DE, much like the WRs, the talent pool on the team is deep. And the Talent pool in the draft is deep. So I wouldn’t spend a top pick on either, unless one of the two cant-miss WR prospects (Green, Jones) happen to fall to 19.

        • Mickster

          BB,nI wouldn’t write off Osi yet. I made that mistake last off-season. This year he SET an NFL record with forced fumbles in a season and played the best run defense in his career – all with a season-long injury that awaited surgery this winter. With JPP backing-up him and Tuck, the Giants will probably be the only team to offer Kiwi a one-year contract to re-establish his value (he’s recently been cleared to play by his Dr.). Add to that the inevitable switch of Clint Sintim back to his college position of DE and we’re set with redundancy at both DE positions.nnOnly on the Giants do fans suffer with uncertainty as to what players play what positions. Sometimes I think even Reese is unsure.

    • jaymanjd

      Im not feeling you much on any of this. First, you may be right that a WR does not have to be 6″3 to stretch the field. However, what do Desean Jackson, Maclin, and Smith have in common. They are extremely fast. The most important attribute for an X is sprinters speed and great hands. Manningham can sprint but his hands are not great and he is very inconsistent its taken him a good while to even pick up the play book which is what kept him off the field. Smith is clearly a great slot guy but he had a serious injury and might not return given he is a Free agent and giants might not want to put big money into an injury risk. And then we have Nicks he is everything you would want in an X besides the most important thing he is not burner, which like J Will said does not allow him to get seperation up field on a consistent basis. He is never double teamed. The fact is the giants have a bunch of really good 2 and 3rd option but definitely no number 1 the last guy like that is in Jail right now. Second, in thinking about what type of number one WR you want you have to take into consideration the type of QB you have. This is very important. I think Eli needs a guy who is 6″3 and up. He is a risk taking type of QB who likes to throw it their. He has gotten much better but he is not in the realm of brady or Payton when it comes to accuracy. As we have seen Steve Smith and Co have made some spactacular catches over the years that could have been a lot easier if Eli was more accurate. The fact is Eli has missed that safety net. That guy he can simply play catch and throw the ball into the endzone. nnAs as taking a DE or LB or RB no thank you. After seeing the numbers in the combine it is clear there are not that many LB who will fit our 4-3 system that are worth taking at 19. Most of them are clearly 3-4 guys except perhaps Houston and wilson but you may be able to get thoughs guys later in the draft. Also, RB in the combine also showed weakness. Ingram was not terrible but he was not terrific either. He does not have the break away speed you look for in a first round RB. DEnd wow have nothing to say but wow.

      • J. Williams

        I agree with you completely on the first paragraph especially “wow”. I mean, does it ever end?nnAs far as the prospects, Wilson solidified himself in the first round. He wont be there at 19 in round 2 and is worthy of it.nnIngram looked incredible in drills. Excellent footwork, stop and cut on a dime. He proved that the Emmitt Smith comparisons are accurate.

      • BIG BLUE

        The Giants trio of Smith, Manningham and Nicks have made Manning a better passer. Nicks in his second season and in only 12 games as a starter had just as good of a regular season, then Burress has had starting 15/16 games a season as a Giant. nSince 2008, Manning has had three consecutive seasons with a comp.pct. of 60.0% or better, to go along with back to back 4,000 yards plus passing in “09 and “10. Yes!!!!!! Manning had a carrer high 25 INTs in 2010. But his TD passes have been career highs over the last two seasons.nYou mentioned taking A.J. Green. You do know that Green ran a 4.59/40 at the combines. Miami’s Leonard Hankerson ran faster at the combines and catches everything.( Hankerson is my dark horse of this draft at the WR position). nThe issue with the Giants isn’t the receiving. The issue is all the FUMBLES. Manning and Bradshaw cost the Giants a couple of games in 2010. Because they don’t protect the ball.nAdding a WR to an already very good receving corp. isn’t the answer. DE/OLB/ OL is the way to go.n

  • Mickster

    Alright J-Wil,nChecked out your UNC wideout. Hey, Little is big (couldn’t resist, sorry). Anyway if the Giant brass doesn’t feel confident they can/should:n – Bring back Hixonn – Bring back Plaxicon . . . then I’m OK taking him on day 3. But not until LB and OT are addressed.nnAlso I really like your RB Allen from G-Tech.

    • J. Williams

      He’s a priiiiime prospect. The suspension and the bad interviews have dropped him. nnDay 1 he’s the second best receiver on that team, just like Nicks. The Giants should take him anywhere 4th round or later.nnAs far as the corners, wont get too much into it because the DISCUS is messing up, but you need a shut down corner for this team to survive the comin season.nn

      • Mickster

        So you’ve said. I think we’re fine in our secondary.

        • J. Williams

          Mickster,nnI don’t. I think you got about 4 receivers on the Cowboys and Eagles that can make short work of a cover 2 and nothing but cover 2 corners. And Washington has been trying for a long time. They may get it right one day.nnI’m not making that up. Those are just the facts. Now as a team do you pretend that you can handle these receivers with the current DB corp. or do you do something about it?nnOkay, you think they should go on pretending. Now how did that work out last season with the MLB situation? I’ll tell you – 80 tackles, 1 FF, 1 INT… in a 4-3.nnI’m willing to bet money, that if this season happens, and the Giants don’t get a shut down corner, The Cowboys will get home field and make the Super Bowl. I’ll put money on that.

          • Mickster

            So you’re not just suggesting a new corner, you’re suggesting an entirely new defensive scheme. When this labor deal finally gets settled (probably sometime in the fall) and the team basically has about two weeks to get ready, you want an entirely new system implemented with new players?nnAnd you want Nnamdi signed in that short time frame for $12-15M per year, prohibiting us from re-signing anyone else that’s even decent?nMara will say to Reese, “Do you want to re-sign Bradshaw, Boss, Grant, Hixon, and a decent OLB; or do you want Nnamdi and a bunch of rejects?”n nYou want to toss Webster and Thomas to the curb? What were DeSean’s stats in the two Eagle games this year? 5/50 and 3/52 “Those are just facts” too.nnI’m sorry you don’t want to continue with our Cover Two and/or our secondary. I don’t want to continue with Tom Coughlin, but I understand that this off-season BY IT’S NATURE prohibits wholesale changes. Come back to reality, my man.nn

  • BIG BLUE

    4.53/40 for Little at the combines. Not very good for you guys looking to draft that breakaway, big play, speed burning, double team needing, playmaker. That most of you think the Giants so desperately need.(LOL)nThe scouting reports are right on point. Little is not explosive off the line. Little doesn’t gain seperation. But makes up for it with great hands and leaping abilities.nI’d take my chances with Miami’s Hankerson or Indiana’s Doss. If I were looking for a “tall” WR. Nonetheless it is about the Giants and they need to address the defense DE, LB and offense OL and RB first.