WR Corps

bagh · Posted: Sun May 13, 2012 12:02 pm Post subject: WR Corps

So I was thinking of what we have been doing over the last few years with our WR corps, and I can't help but smirk at the fact that a historically big flaw, our inabilty to develop WR, has turned into a strength.

I think this tied into the fact that we have been drafting well under JR, used relatively high picks, and had great QB play.

We had developed Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, and to certain lower extent, Mario Manningham.

So my question is, if Nicks or Cruz's contract demands become too high, do we trade them and rely upon our system to unearth the next good WR? If so, then to who should aim to trade, to whom and for what kind or return?

My view is that if they ask for too much, we should trade them preferably to a team out west for a 1st rounder. If the Giants are right about Randle, then in 2 years time he should be ready to explode.

Gmen · Posted: Sun May 13, 2012 1:23 pm Post subject:

I think the Giants have something special with Nicks and Cruz, so initially I would say no to a trade.

But on second thought, if Jerrel Jernigan shows that can handle the slot and Cruz is asking for a ridiculous sum of money, I would consider a trade. I just think there is something about that slot position in Gilbrides offense that inflates stats. Steve Smith wasn't an overly talented player, and set the Giants record in receptions. Then Cruz has a tremendous year. I'm not saying Cruz is a product of the system, I'm just saying that he's not irreplaceable.

I would say no to any Nicks trade. He is a top 10 receiver in the league and needs to be locked up for a long time.
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BassistofDoom · Joined: 17 Dec 2011 Posts: 616

I see Nicks getting traded if contract issues become too much of a distraction, but not Cruz. Since Cruz entered the league he has been the ultimate team player and I don't see him ever being in a situation like that.

I do think though that if Nicks had to be traded either Rueben Randle could step in or the Giants would be able to find another no. 1 target for Manning (or no. 2 with Cruz at no. 1). I trust Jerry Reese and I'm sure he'd be able to find a replacement.
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titwio · Joined: 09 Jan 2011 Posts: 6259 Location: Bronx NY

I don't want to ever think about the possibility of the Giants losing Nicks. Like mentioned above...he needs to be locked up. He can do it all and the most valuable being in that "X" receiver role.

Cruz had a real good season last year but I still feel he needs another year of evaluation before he's offered anything in terms of top money. He's still coming off his first full season as an UDFA and now in his second stint is going to have to deal with teams game planning for him. I feel he deserves some incentives added though this year and if he can show to he can maintain his production then I have no problem with the Giants giving him the long term money.

Keep em both...If they can extend Nicks during this season then I think it could make it easier to to handle Cruz the following. (If he shows he can maintain the production)

BlackandBlue · Joined: 01 Jan 2011 Posts: 2759

titwio · Joined: 09 Jan 2011 Posts: 6259 Location: Bronx NY

redsoxsuck05 · Joined: 16 Jan 2008 Posts: 8950 Location: LI

Cruz won't break as many TDs after the catch, but he will improve his route running and he'll be better on 3rd down.

I think Steve Smith was just a really good football player when we had him, albeit not as many 3rd and longs because we had a running game and O-Line. Outstanding route runner, unmatched chemistry with Eli, etc.
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BassistofDoom · Joined: 17 Dec 2011 Posts: 616

bballbkd1001 · Joined: 04 Feb 2009 Posts: 4301

I feel like we can lock up both of them around 7.5 mill a piece.

Now remember this, if we had ANY intentions of letting nicks or Cruz walk, we would have kept manningham for half the price.

GMENNATION · Posted: Mon May 14, 2012 8:46 am Post subject:

if we end up having to choose between the two, i would take nicks... cruz is a great talent but i still don't believe he can be a number 1 guy. he's a very very good #2 but he's not a #1 IMO. hope we can keep both though

bagh · Posted: Mon May 14, 2012 1:55 pm Post subject:

Question: Would you give them identical deals or would you pay one more than the other?

biggsam48 · Joined: 17 Feb 2009 Posts: 637 Location: New York

phillybul · Joined: 30 Mar 2009 Posts: 3681 Location: Philadelphia

Randle doesnt need 2 seasons. Put him on the outside with Nicks, Cruz in slot and NYG passing attack is scary. I believe Randle will make you forget about Mario Manningham if you havent already.

IR0NM1KE · Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 11891 Location: Alderney City

Byrdman · Joined: 09 Feb 2010 Posts: 631

I think we can lock up Cruz with a 5 year 25 million kind of deal. I love what Nicks brings to our passing game but he needs to stay healthy for a whole season before I would be willing to give him a big payday. He will likely command a 5 year 50 million dollar deal.