Super Bowl 2012: Ranking the 7 Best Receiving Targets by Big-Play Ability

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We all love the big pass play in the Super Bowl.

Joe Montana to John Taylor. Terry Bradshaw to Lynn Swann. John Elway to Ricky Nattiel. Eli Manning to David Tyree.

With the loaded number of weapons in this year's clash between the Giants and the Patriots, there is an opportunity to see more of the same thing—especially with Tom Brady and Eli Manning throwing the pigskin around like it's a hot potato.

Could we see huge numbers of passing offense this weekend? Most of us can only hope the offenses will continue to steamroll through the air like eagles right on target. That means receivers will have the chance to show off their talents all over the field, especially in the red zone.

It also could mean some very tired defensive backs and leaky defenses will be exposed along the way.

Here is a look at some playmakers whose ability could make for a very fun evening in Indianapolis.

Devin Thomas

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This is just a hunch, but if the Patriots swarm the Giants' three best receiving options, wouldn't you think Thomas might become a huge impact player in this game?

A second-round pick by the Redskins in 2008, Thomas has been a good special teams player for the Giants this year. He recovered two huge fumbles against the 49ers in the NFC championship game, and he may be called upon to catch a few balls from Eli Manning.

Thomas has nice size (6'2", 221 pounds) to match up with the Patriots secondary and could be used as an alternative to the "big three" in the passing game.

Wes Welker

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Wes Welker is going to get his catches. But frankly, I think he is a product of the system.

Welker is still trouble in the open field, though, and has speed to burn. If the Giants concentrate too much on the great tight ends the Patriots use in their offense, Welker—who led the NFL with 122 catches this season—will expose the secondary and score at will.

Welker is still someone the Giants must keep an eye on.

Mario Manningham

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I believe that, with the game on the line, Manningham will be the difference-maker.

So much is made of the Patriots' tight ends and the mighty mite Wes Welker. The Giants have Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz and two fullbacks that can break you in half by running into you.

Manningham was the third piece of the puzzle this season and was a great complementary receiver for Eli Manning and Kevin Gilbride's offense.

Look for Manningham's play to be a real difference-maker on Sunday.

Hakeem Nicks

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His big-play ability was evident in the NFC divisional-round game against Green Bay when he scored the touchdown at the end of the first half.

But while the accolades have come to his fellow 1,000-yard receiver, Victor Cruz, Nicks has enjoyed a good season with the Giants.

At 6'1" and 208 pounds, he has nice size and the speed to separate from defenders and make the huge play.

Maybe he is this year's David Tyree for the Giants.

Aaron Hernandez

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At some point, you expect to see Aaron Hernandez used in some capacity other than tight end in this game.

Maybe as a running back. Maybe as an H-back. Maybe he lines up in the slot. Maybe he becomes a blocker on 3rd-and-short.

Hernandez is the most versatile of the receivers in this game from either side, and he is equally adept at finding the red zone and end zone as fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Rob Gronkowski

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We all know how he redefined the tight end position this year, but it was also the little things that made him special.

You don't dismiss the 90 catches or 17 touchdowns, but "Gronk" is also a great blocker, and if he is not fully healed from the high ankle sprain, that affects not only the passing game but the running game and blocking assignments as well.

Gronkowski, if healthy, is the most dangerous weapon in this game. But since he is listed as "questionable" for the contest, he cannot be the lead dog in this slider.

Victor Cruz

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Cruz, an undrafted free-agent find from Massachusetts, has been nothing but spectacular this season.

The tall, lanky receiver has speed to burn on the outside and will give Eli Manning the post threat he needs down the sideline. There are few defensive backs who have been able to match up with him this season. It will be interesting how the Patriots secondary prepares for such a formidable target in the red zone.