Assessing Possibilities: Hakeem Nicks

Most of us, according to the recent poll about who to draft with the first pick in the draft, agreed that Cornerback is Miami's most gaping need. Most of us also agreed that a close second would be a number 1 Wideout, or at least a wideout that complements young Teddy Ginn.



Hakeem Nicks, 6-1 212lbs.
40 Time: 4.63/ Vertical: 36'

- 2008 1st Team All-ACC.

Hakeem Nick's is easily one of the more underrated players in the coming NFL draft, the most NFL ready receiver in the draft, and one of the wideouts with more upside in the draft.

Nick's 40 Time is misleading. While he doesn't have blazing speed to get past corners at the next level, he can at times get behind them and make plays down the field. Nicks is deemed a pure possession receiver. He has amazing hands and body control. His wing span is over 7 feet long, and is an offensive ball hawk.

One of the more surprising things about Nicks is his awareness. Nicks always knows where he is on the field, and who's around him. He may not be your team's burner, but he has all the ability in the world to take it to the house.

Nicks gets off the line extremely fast, and knows how to use his size to his advantage against weaker and even more physical corners. He boxes out corners for out routes and end zone fade routes like a pro.

He plays the middle of the field as well, or better than any other receiver in this draft. He's as physical as they come, and isn't afraid to knock pads against linebackers or safeties. Nicks runs great routes as well, and although he isn't as elusive or quick as guys like Maclin or Harvin, he has his own set of moves that are surprisingly effective.

The biggest punch on Nicks is his speed. What most people don't understand is that Nicks isn't your stopwatch speed type of guy. He plays faster than it seems. The other knock on Nicks is his work ethic. Nicks has added weight during his off-season, and this has brought questions about his work ethic, hence, his maturity level as well.

Overall: I won't lie, I have a humongous man-crush on Nicks. Ever since I saw him torch my Miami Hurricanes, I knew this guys was NFL ready. This off-season, and more heavily within the past two weeks, there have been many rumors about Miami going after Arizona's AQ (Anquan Boldin). Well, if they can draft Nicks with pick 2a, not only will I be ecstatic, but they'll have their own AQ... younger, cheaper, and hungry.