Matty's Big Board Prospect Countdown: 25!

Hey folks, the Super Bowl is behind us and it's time to focus on the next big event and that is the all powerful and mighty draft, which has the ability to take a team from the bottom of the barrel and turn them into a playoff caliber team (ex. Dolphins and Falcons). What I plan on doing is twice a week until draft weekend, I'll be counting down my top 25 prospects, discuss their strengths, weaknesses, overall impact in the NFL and potential landing spot. So, without further delay, I bring you the player who ranked number 25...

25. Hakeem Nicks, WR North Carolina Tar Heels

2008 Season Stats:
66 receptions, 1222 yards and 12 TDs

Career Stats:
181 receptions, 2840 yards and 21 TDs

Personal stats:
6'1", 215 lbs. JR.

Strengths:

Hakeem Nicks has a lot of strengths in his style of play. For one, he is an incredible route runner and likely the most polished of all the receivers save for maybe Crabtree in this draft. He runs them precise and sells them so that corners have little or no time to react once he's made his break. He has incredible hands and amazing poise to bring in even the toughest catches. He has strong hands and a good work ethic, he can break tackles and get good yards after contact. He also makes for a good red zone weapon and even at 6'1" he still has the frame and skills to box out a corner and high point the ball. Not to mention, he is also a willing blocker in the run game and can bully smaller defensive backs at the line of scrimmage because of his size.

Weaknesses:

The one weakness that really limits Nicks is his long speed, he's good in short bursts coming in and out of quick passing routes but he will never be the vertical deep ball threat that teams will surely be looking for and will find in other players like Heyward-Bey and Maclin. He also doesn't add any value as a return man or special teams player, so when he comes into the league he won't be able to contribute anywhere else unless it's on offense.

Overall:

I love Hakeem Nicks as a prospect and think he has definite first round potential despite the hype behind Maclin, Heyward-Bey and Britt. I think he will come into the league and be a good slot receiver who can make the tough catches coming over the middle and open up things down the field. I think he'll be a good red zone threat as well and I feel he will add a lot to a teams passing offense because he'll be able to do so much for them.



Projected NFL destination:

With the 17th selection, the New York Jets select...










There you have it folks, be sure to tune in later this week for Prospect #24!