GIANTS' WIDE RECEIVERS: LOOKING AT THE BRIGHT SIDE OF HAKEEM NICKS' INJURY

[RoanokeFan]

GIANTS' WIDE RECEIVERS: LOOKING AT THE BRIGHT SIDE OF HAKEEM NICKS' INJURY (http://www.giants101.com/2012/05/28/new-york-giants-wide-receivers-looking-at-bright-side-of-hakeem-nicks-injury/)

"The <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with New York Giants" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/new-york-giants/" rel="tag nofollow">New York
Giants</a> wide receivers suffered a tremendous loss on Thursday when <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Hakeem Nicks" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/hakeem-nicks/" rel="tag nofollow">Hakeem
Nicks</a> fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot (http://www.giants101.com/2012/05/24/new-york-giants-hakeem-nicks-fractures-5th-metatarsal-out-12-weeks/). After last
offseason and the flurry of devastating injuries that plagued several key
players such as Jonathon Goff, Prince Amukamara and Osi Umenyoira, one can not
help but to get nervous that a repeat could be in store this offseason (http://www.giants101.com/2012/05/26/new-york-giants-injuries-will-they-pile-up-again/).


Obviously, nobody wants to see such a great talent like Nicks get hurt;
however, his absence will give other members of the Giants' young receiving core
an opportunity to get more reps in practice and more experience in preseason
games. Let's take a look at who the Giants will turn to while Nicks is rehabbing
his foot, and we will also examine how they can benefit from the increased
exposure they will receive.</p>


<u><a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Victor Cruz" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/victor-cruz/" rel="tag nofollow">Victor
Cruz</a></u> -Cruz shocked the world last year when he came from
nowhere to break AmaniToomer's franchise receiving record; however, he
benefited immensely from the attention defense's had to pay to <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Hakeem Nicks" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/hakeem-nicks/" rel="tag nofollow">Hakeem
Nicks</a> and even <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Mario Manningham" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/mario-manningham/" rel="tag nofollow">Mario
Manningham</a>. With Manningham gone and Nicks injured, Cruz will see increased
attention from defenses in both practice and early preseason games. Furthermore,
Cruz saw most of his success last season while playing in the slot. The injury
to Nicks will force the Giants to explore playing Cruz on the outside, which
could increase his versatility throughout the season.</p>


<u><a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Rueben Randle" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/rueben-randle/" rel="tag nofollow">Rueben
Randle</a></u> – The rookie 2nd round pick out of LSU
has received rave reviews from the <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with New York Giants" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/new-york-giants/" rel="tag nofollow">New York
Giants</a> coaching staff, and could be the greatest beneficiary of
HakeemNicks' absence. Without Nicks in the lineup, Randle will be taking first
team reps throughout training camp. Increased first team reps can be invaluable
experience for a rookie, and will also help him build chemistry with quarterback
Eli Manning.</p>


<u><a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Domenik Hixon" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/domenik-hixon/" rel="tag nofollow">Domenik
Hixon</a></u> – Hixon is coming of two seasons of
back-to-back ACL tears; however, he is healthy again and hopefully able to
contribute to the team. If Hixon still possesses that break away speed that we
have seen from him in the past, he could be a natural replacement for <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Mario Manningham" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/mario-manningham/" rel="tag nofollow">Mario
Manningham</a>, who was always a deep threat down the field. Without Nicks for
at least the beginning of training camp, Hixon will have increased opportunities
to showcase his ability.</p>


<u><a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Ramses Barden" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/ramses-barden/" rel="tag nofollow">Ramses
Barden</a></u> – Barden can be viewed as a poor man's
Plaxico Burress. He does not possess tremendous speed or elite catching ability,
but he stands 6'4 and weighs 224lbs. Barden is a physical player that is capable
of taking advantage of smaller defenders. This year is a make or break year for
Barden, the 4th year player out of Cal Poly, who has been plagued by injury
throughout his career. With Nicks out of commission for an extended period of
time, this could be Barden's last opportunity to prove his critics wrong.</p>


<u><a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Jerrel Jernigan" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/jerrel-jernigan/" rel="tag nofollow">Jerrel
Jernigan</a></u> – The second year 3rdround pick out
of Troy saw very few opportunities to showcase his abilities last year. Although
Tom Coughlan and Jerry Reese talked about Jernigan as a potential option at the
3rd receiver earlier in the preseason, they went ahead and drafted <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Rueben Randle" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/rueben-randle/" rel="tag nofollow">Rueben
Randle</a> anyway. Look for Jernigan to come into training camp with a chip on
his shoulder and take advantage of whatever opportunities he is given.</p>


Although <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Hakeem Nicks" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/hakeem-nicks/" rel="tag nofollow">Hakeem
Nicks</a>' initial prognosis called for a 12 week recovery, ESPN's
AdamSchefterreported that he could be back to full strength within 4-6
weeks.Schefter'sreport could be optimistic because the Giants surely will not
rush such a key asset likeHakeemNicks back on the field before he is one
hundred percent healthy, and it is likely that he will miss at least a portion
of training camp.</p>


Immediately after Nicks went down, speculation arose that the Giants could
look to free agency to add depth, andPlaxicoBurress' name was even floated out there (http://www.giants101.com/2012/05/27/plaxico-burress-to-new-york-giants-speculation-that-just-wont-die/). It would be
uncharacteristic of General Manger Jerry Reese to make a flashy signing at this
point of the offseason. Therefore, it is more likely the Giants will look within
their current receiving to core step up until Nicks recovers fully.</p>


The increased reps that are going to be given to the younger receivers such
as Randle, Jernigan, and Barden could enable one of them to have a breakout year
similar to that of <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Victor Cruz" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/victor-cruz/" rel="tag nofollow">Victor
Cruz</a> last year.When Nicks returns, he will be coming back to a receiving
core that will be more NFL (http://www.giants101.com/tag/nfl/) ready than it otherwise would have been. Look for the
<a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with New York Giants" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/new-york-giants/" rel="tag nofollow">New York
Giants</a> receivers to continue to be extremely dangerous in 2012."</p>

[miked1958]

GIANTS' WIDE RECEIVERS:* LOOKING AT THE BRIGHT SIDE OF HAKEEM NICKS' INJURY (http://www.giants101.com/2012/05/28/new-york-giants-wide-receivers-looking-at-bright-side-of-hakeem-nicks-injury/)

"The <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with New York Giants" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/new-york-giants/" rel="tag nofollow">New York
Giants</a> wide receivers suffered a tremendous loss on Thursday when <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Hakeem Nicks" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/hakeem-nicks/" rel="tag nofollow">Hakeem
Nicks</a> fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot (http://www.giants101.com/2012/05/24/new-york-giants-hakeem-nicks-fractures-5th-metatarsal-out-12-weeks/). After last
offseason and the flurry of devastating injuries that plagued several key
players such as Jonathon Goff, Prince Amukamara and Osi Umenyoira, one can not
help but to get nervous that a repeat could be in store this offseason (http://www.giants101.com/2012/05/26/new-york-giants-injuries-will-they-pile-up-again/).


Obviously, nobody wants to see such a great talent like Nicks get hurt;
however, his absence will give other members of the Giants' young receiving core
an opportunity to get more reps in practice and more experience in preseason
games. Let's take a look at who the Giants will turn to while Nicks is rehabbing
his foot, and we will also examine how they can benefit from the increased
exposure they will receive.*</p>


<u><a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Victor Cruz" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/victor-cruz/" rel="tag nofollow">Victor
Cruz</a></u> -*Cruz shocked the world last year when he came from
nowhere to break Amani*Toomer's franchise receiving record; however, he
benefited immensely from the attention defense's had to pay to <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Hakeem Nicks" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/hakeem-nicks/" rel="tag nofollow">Hakeem
Nicks</a> and even <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Mario Manningham" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/mario-manningham/" rel="tag nofollow">Mario
Manningham</a>. With Manningham gone and Nicks injured, Cruz will see increased
attention from defenses in both practice and early preseason games. Furthermore,
Cruz saw most of his success last season while playing in the slot. The injury
to Nicks will force the Giants to explore playing Cruz on the outside, which
could increase his versatility throughout the season.</p>


<u><a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Rueben Randle" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/rueben-randle/" rel="tag nofollow">Rueben
Randle</a></u> – The rookie 2nd round pick out of LSU
has received rave reviews from the <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with New York Giants" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/new-york-giants/" rel="tag nofollow">New York
Giants</a> coaching staff, and could be the greatest beneficiary of
Hakeem*Nicks' absence. Without Nicks in the lineup, Randle will be taking first
team reps throughout training camp. Increased first team reps can be invaluable
experience for a rookie, and will also help him build chemistry with quarterback
Eli Manning.</p>


<u><a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Domenik Hixon" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/domenik-hixon/" rel="tag nofollow">Domenik
Hixon</a></u> – Hixon is coming of two seasons of
back-to-back ACL tears; however, he is healthy again and hopefully able to
contribute to the team. If Hixon still possesses that break away speed that we
have seen from him in the past, he could be a natural replacement for <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Mario Manningham" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/mario-manningham/" rel="tag nofollow">Mario
Manningham</a>, who was always a deep threat down the field. Without Nicks for
at least the beginning of training camp, Hixon will have increased opportunities
to showcase his ability.</p>


<u><a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Ramses Barden" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/ramses-barden/" rel="tag nofollow">Ramses
Barden</a></u> – Barden can be viewed as a poor man's
Plaxico Burress. He does not possess tremendous speed or elite catching ability,
but he stands 6'4 and weighs 224lbs. Barden is a physical player that is capable
of taking advantage of smaller defenders. This year is a make or break year for
Barden, the 4th year player out of Cal Poly, who has been plagued by injury
throughout his career. With Nicks out of commission for an extended period of
time, this could be Barden's last opportunity to prove his critics wrong.</p>


<u><a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Jerrel Jernigan" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/jerrel-jernigan/" rel="tag nofollow">Jerrel
Jernigan</a></u> – The second year 3rd*round pick out
of Troy saw very few opportunities to showcase his abilities last year. Although
Tom Coughlan and Jerry Reese talked about Jernigan as a potential option at the
3rd receiver earlier in the preseason, they went ahead and drafted <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Rueben Randle" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/rueben-randle/" rel="tag nofollow">Rueben
Randle</a> anyway. Look for Jernigan to come into training camp with a chip on
his shoulder and take advantage of whatever opportunities he is given.</p>


Although <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Hakeem Nicks" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/hakeem-nicks/" rel="tag nofollow">Hakeem
Nicks</a>' initial prognosis called for a 12 week recovery, ESPN's
Adam*Schefter*reported that he could be back to full strength within 4-6
weeks.*Schefter's*report could be optimistic because the Giants surely will not
rush such a key asset like*Hakeem*Nicks back on the field before he is one
hundred percent healthy, and it is likely that he will miss at least a portion
of training camp.</p>


Immediately after Nicks went down, speculation arose that the Giants could
look to free agency to add depth, and*Plaxico*Burress' name was even floated out there (http://www.giants101.com/2012/05/27/plaxico-burress-to-new-york-giants-speculation-that-just-wont-die/). It would be
uncharacteristic of General Manger Jerry Reese to make a flashy signing at this
point of the offseason. Therefore, it is more likely the Giants will look within
their current receiving to core step up until Nicks recovers fully.</p>


The increased reps that are going to be given to the younger receivers such
as Randle, Jernigan, and Barden could enable one of them to have a breakout year
similar to that of <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Victor Cruz" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/victor-cruz/" rel="tag nofollow">Victor
Cruz</a> last year.When Nicks returns, he will be coming back to a receiving
core that will be more NFL (http://www.giants101.com/tag/nfl/) ready than it otherwise would have been. Look for the
<a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with New York Giants" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/new-york-giants/" rel="tag nofollow">New York
Giants</a> receivers to continue to be extremely dangerous in 2012."</p>I agree. It will be great if one of these 3 emerge as a standout WR and have a breakout year like Cruz had last season then it will be just gravy when Nicks returns

[PrideofNY]

When did Ramses Barden shrink 2 inches?

[jomo]

When did Ramses Barden shrink 2 inches?
That's just how he plays, 2 inches shorter than the program states.

[alau53]

ramses barden they say doesnt have speed or good pass catching ability..if so why waste a high pick on him

[Strahan4gov]

The biggest hole in this article is that they dont mention how Eli seemingly could make my grandmother look like a viable or productive receiver.

I think Randle will do well here as the last time I heard TC boast about a receiver it was Steve Smith, and regardless of his Benedict Arnold bit was a huge piece of our team.

The first WR that gets Eli's praise will be the one that starts in the 3rds spot.

[giantsfan420]

The biggest hole in this article is that they dont mention how Eli seemingly could make my grandmother look like a viable or productive receiver.

I think Randle will do well here as the last time I heard TC boast about a receiver it was Steve Smith, and regardless of his Benedict Arnold bit was a huge piece of our team.

The first WR that gets Eli's praise will be the one that starts in the 3rds spot.

I said pre draft that randle would prob be my oroy award, when we drafted him it cemented my belief.

Knock on wood he doesnt get injured, hes gonna be making plays for us early. Think about how impressed tc and co are that they r given him starter reps, i know its bc nicks injury but still, theyve been going on and on how their thoughts about him being nfl ready and a quick fit to the offense have been confirmed by what they see of him...

He looked nasty with lackluster qbs throwing to him...i cant wait to see how good he looks with eli as his qb. He said he is familiar with all the routes we run in our offense, i think his biggest thing will be getting on the same page as eli. We could see some miscommunications between the two early but it will all be part of his learning and progression.

[nygsb42champs]

The best part about this is that it happened early. Nicks should be back by week 1.

[RoanokeFan]

The biggest hole in this article is that they dont mention how Eli seemingly could make my grandmother look like a viable or productive receiver.

I think Randle will do well here as the last time I heard TC boast about a receiver it was Steve Smith, and regardless of his Benedict Arnold bit was a huge piece of our team.

The first WR that gets Eli's praise will be the one that starts in the 3rds spot.

I am not a big believer in one player "making" another. There is certainly something to be said for chemistry between a QB and his receiver(s). I believe Nicks and Eli have that and Eli and Cruz are getting there. Chemistry is that intangible that surfaces when the QB throws it up knowing the receiver is going to be where it lands.

I am still thinking Hixon will come out of camp as the # 3 IF Nicks is still sidelined. Otherwise he'll be the # 4.

[Toadofsteel]

I thought Hixon was a slot receiver? He was the starting slot receiver last season before going down (at which point Cruz took over and ran with the opportunity)...

[RoanokeFan]

I thought Hixon was a slot receiver? He was the starting slot receiver last season before going down (at which point Cruz took over and ran with the opportunity)...

Hixon lined up at both. If Cruz is going to be on the outside until Nicks returns ( and who knows if that's necessary) then Hixon can go into the slot with Randle on the other side of Cruz. It's great to have so much versatility.

[Bohemian]

I thought Hixon was a slot receiver? He was the starting slot receiver last season before going down (at which point Cruz took over and ran with the opportunity)...

I was definitely thinking along similar lines, with Hixon and Jernigan being the obvious complimentary receivers to Randle and Cruz. It will be interesting to see what actually materializes during the pre-season.

There are still some receivers out there in the market, but the bigger names won't be worth the money they desire. I would definitely would like to see us sign a player signed to a contract with lots of performance clauses, so to make sure that we don't throw away money.

Go Blue!