Ex-Giant Hakeem Nicks understands pressure on rookie Malik Nabers: ‘Reminds me of myself’

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.