Why a Brilliant Draft Can Yield Dynastic Qualities For Big Blue

(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

For New York Giants fans, the 2008 season seemed almost too good to be true. Each and every week, the team overcame whatever adversity came their way, suffering only one loss in their first 12 games over the course of the season. Sure the Giants had holes, but nothing could restrain them, as they had an identity. Every opponent knew exactly what the Giants were going to do, they were simply helpless to defend it.

In the early morning of November 30th, The Giants lost that identity when receiver Plaxico Burress shot himself in the leg. He was as big a part of Big Blue’s offense as anyone in reference that ever important identity. After he was suspended for the remainder of the 2008 season, it seemed as if the Giants lost that identity.

The team looked defeated, worn out, and at times, lost.

Heading into the 2009 season, one can rest assured that Tom Coughlin has no intention of straying from the very identity which helped The Giants thrive in 2008. He will do whatever it takes, and attain whatever player it takes to establish an unmatched confidence which will catapult The Giants to a championship, and possibly a dynasty.

Whether New York sees a return of Plaxico Burress or not, they will be in the market for a receiver in April’s draft which can contribute on day one of the season. Windows for championship runs are short, and make no mistake about it; The Giants are smack in the middle of one of those windows right now. With few needs, Big Blue must be crafty in their approach to this upcoming draft as they look to build upon their success. One can rest assured though, New York is in great position in this upcoming draft, and with the right moves they can become an even better team than we have seen over the last two years.

While The Giants do have a need at receiver, they are also in a very unique position as a team in regards to their draft approach. Jerry Reese has made it known that he does not feel pressure to draft for “need”. All of this may still lead to the drafting of a wide receiver, as this crop of receivers is the most talented in years, with the likes of Michael Crabtree, Jeremy Maclin, Percy Harvin, Darius Heyward-Bey, Hakeem Nicks, and Kenny Britt.

The question here is what receiver can help The Giants immediately in this coming draft?

After examining closely each and every receiver prospect there is, one player stands out: Hakeem Nicks.

For Nicks, it isn’t about the measurable qualities though. He stands at six feet, three-quarter inches and ran a 4.5 second 40 yard dash. Neither are overly impressive numbers, but his skill set will make everyone forget about those numbers very soon.

On a consistent basis, Nicks catches the ball with the hands away from his body, using his long arms and strong hands to pluck the ball away from defenders and out of the air. He makes tough catches away from his body, and can also leap for passes in the red-zone. His concentration is unmatched by any receiver in this draft, as he once caught a pass behind his back and attempted to pass it between his legs while on the run with a defender hot on his trail. In that same game, he tipped a pass to himself in double coverage and dragged the defender 15 yards into the end zone with him.

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