In 2011, Nicks quietly put up one of the most productive receiving seasons in franchise history, collecting the sixth most receiving yards of any Giant all-time. Though Victor Cruz’s incredible year puts him first on that list, one could argue that it was Nicks’ reputation that caused defenses to shift their focus to him, giving Cruz the opportunity to have so much success. In any event, the Giants are a much more dangerous team offensively with both of their dynamic wideouts healthy, and today was a huge step towards that goal.

Feb 5, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Giants tight end Jake Ballard (second from right) is tackled by New England Patriots outside linebacker Brandon Spikes (second from left) during the first half of Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

Ballard and Beckum will more than likely start the beginning of the upcoming regular season on the physically unable to perform list, which will put them out for at least the first six weeks of the season. That would mean the starting tight end job would have gone to Bear Pascoe if there were a game this week. I imagine Reese will look to fill the tight end need either through the draft or free agency. Take a look at GMEN HQ’s current mock draft to see which tight end was mocked to the Giants with their 32nd overall pick in the first round.