Nicks, Jones, and Hixon

As training camp quickly approaches, here is an update on three Giants.

1. Hakeem Nicks–  If he stays healthy, Nicks is going to emerge as the number ONE receiver on this team.  Combine his talent and work ethic,  Nicks has the potential to become extraordinary.  Last week, in Thibodaux, Louisiana, Nicks was a camp counselor at the Manning Passing Academy.  Besides helping young boys burnish their football skills,  Nicks worked out with Eli Manning.  “It’s been great to get down here and be a part of this (Manning Passing Academy) tradition,” Nicks said. “I am all for football camps and helping kids out. I just wanted to come out here, enjoy myself and have a good time with the kids, and work with Eli a little bit.” 

This is refreshing news.  A Giants receiver is working with his quarterback in the offseason!  WOW!   Furthermore, Nicks has tremendous character. Last year, when the Giants were getting embarrassed on Thanksgiving night against the Broncos, late in the fourth quarter, I shut the television off and turned on the radio. Nonetheless, I wanted to hear Carl Banks’ take on the Giants lackluster effort.  Indeed, Banks was upset with the Giants play. However, he made positive remarks about Nicks.  After catching a 36 yard pass from Manning, Banks said,  “He is still fighting.” “That is a good sign.” “They need to know who is going to fight when the chips are down.” “You want to take these things into account when your evaluating your players.”

When Nicks was drafted and became a member of the New York Giants, The Football Scientist KC Joyner, thought highly of Nicks.

To look at it from the Giants perspective, Nicks won’t mimic what Plaxico did, as Burress could run past defenders when healthy, but he will be able to stretch the field in more ways and could end up being more valuable than Plax was.

Since Giants wide receiver Steve Smith had a tremendous 2009, (107 receptions  for 1220 yards, and seven touchdowns)  opposing defensive coordinators will want to place their best corners on Smith.  Therefore, with Smith drawing all the attention, this will allow Nicks to flourish in 2010.

2.  Chad Jones–    It looked like the Giants had big plans for Chad Jones.  According to ProFootball Weekly’s Eric Edholm,   The Giants drafted Jones to be factor in three areas: on special teams coverage, as a punt returner and as a safety. That’s three areas the team now needs to find answers for.  It is a shame he was seriously injured in last months car accident. 

3. Domenik Hixon– Speaking of special teams, after clearing waivers, Hixon was placed on IR.  With Hixon out for the season, his services as a punt returner and big play receiver is going to be missed. Last season, with Hixon handling the punt return duties, the Giants were seventh in the NFL in punt returns averaging 10.9 yards per return.  For this upcoming season, we have no Hixon and  Chad Jones.  Does Phil McConkey have to come out of retirement?  Let us hope the Giants find someone who can fill Hixon’s shoes.