Who will step in at the 3rd receiver slot…

It’s a given that Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz are our 1-2 punch at wide-out. After last season and the numbers they both put up I think it’s safe to say! But Losing Mario Manningham to the 49ers isn’t going to be an easy task. He didn’t put up WOW numbers but when Eli needed a safety valve Manningham was there. He caught a TD in the blow out against the Falcons in the playoffs, as well as the San Fran game which was a huge TD at the time… 3rd and 15 on the 17 yard line and Eli threw a perfect pass only Mario could get. And who can forget about the AMAZING catch in the Superbowl on the sideline…

That 3rd slot is wide open is seems, so who wants it? You have Domenik Hixon, Ramses Barden, last years 3rd round pick Jerrel Jernigan and this years 2nd round pick Reuben Randle…

Ramses Barden has very good size at 6’6 224lbs. He has similar size that Burress had and he did pretty good in our offense. Barden doesn’t have the same skill level but I think he has the potential to be a serviceable wide out for this team. Unfortunately he didn’t have big numbers last year, or any numbers really! With 9 catches for 94 yards and 0 TDs… He also didn’t get much playing time. His best game was against the Saints with 3 catches for 38 yards.. But that game was a blow out anyway. Again, great size with good hands…

Jerrel Jernigan to me is a wildcard kind of player. At 5’8 he’s not going to wow anyone with size but he’s very quick and elusive. He wasnt used much in the offense but did play a role in the special teams. In kick offs he had 8 returns for 186 yards with a long of 31 yards… In college in 2010 he did well. 84 rec for 822 and 6 TDs… He also had a punt and kick off return for a touchdown along with rushing the ball 45 times and scoring 3 of those times. That’s why im my mind he can be the wildcard, similar to Percy Harvin with the Vikings. He can line up as a wide-out of course but in the backfield too and maybe even break one for a return… If he can get reps and get on the field, he has a chance to definately be a game changer.

Domenik Hixon has the most experience of the group. A 6 year player who knows the Giants system. He had an untimely injury last season in week 2 against the Rams, while catching a TD. He has a past with knee problems though. When healthy though he contributed on the special teams end and has been known to be a deep threat in the early part of his career. Decent size at 6’2 but will his speed be hindered with yet another knee injury. Time will tell but I think he has the skill set to be a weapon on offense if not special teams.

Now, im not big on rookies jumping in to start right away. Although being the 2nd round pick when people projected you of being a 1st round there can always be exceptions. Reuben Randle has already impressed coach Coughlin at the rookie mini camps. Coming out of LSU had good numbers. And that’s with LSU not being known for a good passing attack. They tried but the QBs were suspect. 53 rec for 917 and 8 TDs is pretty good. Not to mention big games against Arkansas, Auburn and Florida, all very good programs… I like his frame at 6’4 and 210. He will be able to out jump and out body corners for position once he gets used to the pro style, which is a nicer way of saying a lot more aggressive then college. I’m hoping for good things out him for the get go.

I have no clue who will get the spot to be honest. Even if  I take a guess, im sure it will be wrong. Out of those 4 I do think Randle has the best chance if he can learn the playbook and gets plenty of reps. I have a funny feeling that you will see a heavy dose of all 4 guys in the pre-season. Cruz and Nicks aren’t going to need much to get ready, so don’t be surprised to see the Giants air it out especially in the 4th pre-season game. Should be fun though to watch and see what happens. GO GIANTS!!!!!!