Training camp is drawing near and the worst time of the year is slowly coming to an end. With the New York Giants ready to embark on another hopeful run toward the Lombardi Trophy, I will analyze the team and present my top 10 players on the Giants’ roster. This year’s rookies have been excluded as they bear no body of work yet in the NFL.
No. 3: Hakeem Nicks
Position: WR
Age: 25
Seasons with the Giants: Five (drafted in 2009)
2012 in Review: After two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with evident progression since being drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft, Hakeem Nicks struggled to replicate that elite play in 2012. Injuries — as have often been the issue in his young career — hampered him for much of the season and it showed in his production.
The 25-year-old receiver finished the year with 53 receptions for a career-low 692 yards and just three touchdowns. He missed three games due to a knee injury suffered in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — a game in which he caught a season-best 10 catches for 199 yards and a touchdown. He admirably battled through the remaining 13 contests.
New York’s offense was hit by the collateral damage from Nicks’ struggles. Star play-maker Victor Cruz put up positive numbers, but it was obvious teams had an easier time keying in on him because Nicks was a question mark.
Had Nicks been healthy, it’s fair to assume that the Giants would have ended up being a better team. They finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs. Just one game with Nicks at 100 percent could have given them a much-needed boost and, perhaps, the one win might have catapulted them into the playoffs and on another run towards the Super Bowl.
Outlook for 2013: All eyes will be on Nicks, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Considered one of the top young receivers in the game, a good year will mean big money once the 2013 offseason arrives.
He should be healthy heading into this season with not a hindrance or concern in sight. His decision to sit out of voluntary workouts was likely a precaution to ensure his well-being heading into training camp.
But he is on board and, with an offensive unit that features quarterback Eli Manning, Cruz, newly-acquired tight end Brandon Myers and electric running back David Wilson; Nicks will be a part of what looks to be a lethal group on paper. The addition of Myers and receiver Louis Murphy, as well as blossoming young wide out Rueben Randle, should provide Nicks with great opportunities for a return to prominence.
In two seasons together, Nicks and Cruz combined for 4,512 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns. Add in the assortment of weapons now surrounding them and this year’s New York Giants could boast the greatest offense in franchise history.
Louis Musto is a reporter and sports talk host for the Sports Journey Broadcast Network. He is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. You can follow him on Twitter @LouisMusto.