NCAA Scouting – Player Profile: Hakeem Nicks, WR, UNC by Jody Jamieson 17/2/2009
I really really like Hakeem Nicks as he’s my type of football player. Sure, he’s not going to outstrip corners for pace, nor is he going to catch wide receiver screens and make 3 people miss before sprinting graciously to the end zone, but he’s got a lot of ability and strikes you as the type of guy who can have a long and successful career in the NFL. Any team would be happy to have a receiver with Nicks’ skill set. I don’t see him being the explosive game changer a lot of people are trying to find, but I just can’t see him failing to become a starter in the pros. He may not become anything more than a number 2 receiver, but that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be a first round prospect. Guys like T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Wes Welker were chosen late, but the “possession receiver” is an important role in the NFL and Nicks fits the bill perfectly. Nicks is the consistent, clutch performer that some people overlook in favour of high risk, high reward prospects.
I’m not entirely sure what direction the Indianapolis Colts will go in the first round of the Draft. They may be looking at upgrading their front 7 after some difficult times against the run. But with the potential release of Marvin Harrison, they may also look wide receiver. Nicks just screams Colt to me. Reggie Wayne is the explosive receiver who can make great things happen, and Anthony Gonzalez is a solid receiver, if a little inconsistent. Nicks would fit perfectly as the consistent target who can play outside or in the slot (depending on how you use Gonzalez) and be the consistent third down target for Peyton Manning. Come on Bill Polian. You know it makes sense!
What we like about Nicks
Outstanding hands are the one thing that jumps out at you when you watch Nicks play. He’s a clutch performer and his hands are so reliable. Nicks is a very polished route runner and gets open fairly early. Is physical enough to beat press coverage, and drops the shoulder effectively after the catch to break tackles. Gets up well for the jump ball. John Madden always tells you after every long run there’s a good block from a wide receiver, and Nicks is an excellent blocker who can take a cornerback out of the play.
Question Marks about Nicks
He doesn’t have the elite speed to be a legitimate deep threat in the pros. Not particularly elusive in the open field and isn’t a big yards after the catch guy. Tends to run too close to the sidelines and makes it easier to cover him.
Highlight of his college career
Nicks went out with a bang in the 2008 Meineke Car Care Bowl, putting up 217 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. UNC lost the game 31-30 to West Virginia, but Nicks did a great job just to keep the game close. Check out the catch at 2 min 38 secs of the video from this game to see one of the most bizarre catches you’ll ever see!
Other snippets
6′ 1″ tall and weighs in at 210 lbs. Is the first Tar Heel since Julius Peppers to declare for the NFL Draft after his junior season. His behind the back grab against WVU was rated the best play of Bowl Season by ESPN. If Indianapolis isn’t his landing spot the Giants, Browns and and Raiders will likely show some interest.
NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
I’m not entirely sure what direction the Indianapolis Colts will go in the first round of the Draft. They may be looking at upgrading their front 7 after some difficult times against the run. But with the potential release of Marvin Harrison, they may also look wide receiver. Nicks just screams Colt to me. Reggie Wayne is the explosive receiver who can make great things happen, and Anthony Gonzalez is a solid receiver, if a little inconsistent. Nicks would fit perfectly as the consistent target who can play outside or in the slot (depending on how you use Gonzalez) and be the consistent third down target for Peyton Manning. Come on Bill Polian. You know it makes sense!
