Releasing Plaxico Burress: How The Giants Can Fill The Void

(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

As every day goes by, it seems more likely that the Giants will look to the draft to solve their problems at wide receiver. They should go after a possession receiver who can develop into a red zone threat. However, the problem with rookie receivers is that they are rookie receivers. They are inconsistent, and usually do not make an impact in their first year. There are exceptions like Randy Moss, Eddie Royal, and Anquan Boldin but those are blips on the radar as opposed to a pattern.

Michael Crabtree - This is the one wide receiver that I see who can make an impact as a No.1 receiver in his rookie season. He has all the physical and mental tools of any great No.1 wide receiver. The problem is that foot injury and the severity of it. Though that could be a problem, it may help the Giants. Before the injury many saw Crabtree being drafted by the Seahawks with the fourth pick in the draft. Now he could go to the Raiders at seven or the Jaguars at right and could fall even further if Jeremy Maclin is taken before him. That gives the Giants the ability to trade up in the draft to grab this once in a decade talent. Usually, the more draft picks the better. However, the Giants are one piece away from being the favorites for the Super Bowl and I can make an exception for that. With the second and the fifth round picks the Giants got for Shockey, they could trade into the top ten for two or three picks and still have picks left to create depth on the offensive line and line-backing corps.

Hakeem Nicks - Other than Crabtree, I think Nicks is the most polished of any of the wide receivers in this class. He is a great route runner and has glue for hands. Also he is very effective in running down the middle. People complain that he lacks the deep threat speed to stretch the defense. However, greats like Jerry Rice, Anquan Boldin, and Larry Fitzgerald were all criticized for that going into the draft. I am not saying that Nicks will become as great as those players, but you saying that he can not stretch the defense without playing a down in the NFL is a premature characterization of the man. Other that Crabtree, I believe he would be the best fit at receiver for the Giants. The Giants should trade up to get him if, he may be taken in the 20th-28th range.

Kenny Brit - The local man out of Rutgers does have the mouth watering physical tools that every one would want in a wide receiver. However, he is still a very raw receiver compared to Nicks and Crabtree. In the NFL, he can not rely simply on his physical abilities to beat defenders and catch touchdowns. That is why I see him more as a project than a kid who can make an impact right way.

Darius Heyward-Bey - His stock has rocketed due to his amazing performance at the combine. He has elite speed and better size than Hakeem Nicks. However, his lack of production at Maryland raises some doubts. Also, a 40 time means nothing when you do not have the pads on and there are no defenders. I do not believe the Giants will get him, because many see him going in the middle of the first round. If that is the case, I do not think the Giants should trade up to get him. I do not think he would be an impact player in his first year and Kenny Brit has more potential in my mind that Heyward-Bey.

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