Hakeem Nicks has been in Malik Nabers’ shoes.
Fifteen years before Nabers started catching passes this week in his first OTA practices with the Giants, Nicks was the wide receiver drafted in the first round, about to be measured up to a lofty standard as a rookie while handling the scrutiny and pressures of playing in New York.
“Focus on the task,” Nicks said. “The main thing is you got drafted to be a wide receiver and play football. Everything else that comes, don’t jump on the wave. That’s my advice. Because if you ride it when it’s up, you better be able to take it when it goes down. Just do what you do that got you to this point.”
Nabers shoulders the expectations of lifting the NFL’s No. 31-ranked passing attack and instant comparisons to fellow former LSU great Odell Beckham Jr., who hasn’t truly been replaced since he was traded by the Giants in 2019.
Nicks joined the Giants in 2009 to ease the burden of losing Super Bowl hero Plaxico Burress and franchise great Amani Toomer.
Nicks’ first three regular seasons resulted in 202 catches for 3,304 yards and 24 touchdowns. He was unguardable during the four-game playoff run to the Super Bowl XLVI championship — 28 catches for 444 yards and four touchdowns.
So, what’s it like to produce in New York?
“It’s ecstatic — that’s one of the best feelings, especially in this market,” Nicks said. “You are going to be well-known even after [your career]. It’s all about your legacy and the impression that you leave, because this fan base is something very special.”
As if on cue, Nicks was speaking after signing autographs for an hour Saturday at the Dexter Lawrence Celebrity Softball Game.
He was one of the alums whose attention was most sought by the crowd of about 2,000 on hand at Clover Stadium in Pomona for an event that raised $60,000 for St. Christopher’s Inc.
Like many of those fans, Nicks can’t wait to see what Nabers can do in head coach Brian Daboll’s offense.
“He kind of reminds me of myself, looking at his run-after-the-catch,” Nicks said. “Not one person is going to bring him down. He showed on his film that he can take a little slant and take it to the house, kind of Odell Beckham-style. LSU, they breed some good wide receivers down there. I’m happy with that pick.”
Wan’Dale Robinson, who is entering his third season in the slot for the Giants, already has seen a sneak peak of what’s possible in a retooled receiver corps.
Nabers and veterans Allen Robinson and Isaiah McKenzie join Wan’Dale, Jalin Hyatt, Isaiah Hodgins and (maybe) eventually Darius Slayton, who is skipping voluntary workouts during a contract dispute.
“[Malik] is going to help all of us,” Robinson said. “Really explosive guy. He can play a lot of different [receiver] positions — just like all of us. I’m sure Dabes is excited about being able to put us in a lot of different positions and do a lot of different things.”
Nicks, whose career was cut short by injuries, retired after the 2015 season. Originally drafted No. 29 overall, he spent six seasons over two stints with the Giants.
Nabers is the highest-drafted receiver in Giants history (No. 6). Instead of the benefit of playing with Eli Manning in his prime like Nicks had, Nabers enters a situation where Daniel Jones is fighting to hold onto the starting job.
The sense around Nabers is that he has gained a quick appreciation for Jones’ work ethic as well as the velocity and accuracy of his throws as he returns from a season-ending torn ACL.
That should make it easier for Nabers to block out distractions and do his part.
“You can’t put too much emphasis on being that first-round pick,” Nicks said. “You put emphasis on being the best team player you can be.”
