3 Reasons The Giants Signed Hakeem Nicks
By Eric Mollo
Nov 17, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) and New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) before the game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
- Nicks Will Cut Into Rueben Randle’s Playing Time
To me, this is the bombshell of Nicks’ signing, and it follows along with the point I just made about White.
Despite their offensive success this year, the Giants are still pretty thin at receiver behind Odell Beckham. While Dwayne Harris is emerging, realistically he’s still an unproven receiver given he never really produced in his Dallas years. Standing behind Harris: Rueben Randle. And excuse my harsh criticism here, because I do like Rueben Randle a lot, but he’s had a thoroughly poor season—relative to what I know he could do.
After Randle’s strong finish to the 2014 season, he’s reverted back to that more frustrating receiver Giants fans watched his first couple years in the league. Sometimes, I just wonder where he is on the field. He doesn’t seem to get open all that often, and while he’s improved his route running, frankly, he’s just not making plays.
Against New England, there was one jump ball that, while nicely defended, a receiver of his size and ability should’ve brought down. It would’ve put the Giants in the red zone. It would’ve made a difference in the game. It’s those types of plays that are the difference between a receiver who produces sometimes like Randle, and those playmaking receivers that Randle could be.
Like I said, I think Hakeem Nicks was signed to take the spot of Myles White on offense. But maybe the bigger question we should be asking: why was Myles White on the field in the first place on Sunday?
Nicks’ signing could spell a lesser role on offense for the Giants’ once-number two passing option.
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