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Reports surfaced Monday morning that former New York Giants star receiver Hakeem Nicks is traveling to California to visit with the San Francisco 49ers.
Former Colts and Giants WR Hakeem Nicks is traveling to SF today to meet with 49ers officials, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 30, 2015
Nicks was drafted by the Giants with the 29th overall pick of the 2009 draft. Even though he was the fifth receiver drafted in the first round of that draft, Nicks established himself as one of the premier wide receivers in the league through the 2012 season. Up until 2014 he still led his rookie class in touchdowns despite failing to catch any during the 2013 season.
[More: Niners Nation asked for Ed's thoughts on Nicks]
Nicks lead one of the most dangerous receiving corps in the league in 2011, commanding the attention of defenders while Victor Cruz rocketed to super-stardom. He capped off that year with one of the most dominant post-season performances in league history on the way to a Super Bowl victory.
Since then, consistent injuries seemed to sap Nick's athleticism. He and the Giants parted ways in the 2014 offseason when Nicks signed with the Indianapolis Colts. As a Colt he caught 38 passes for 405 yards, and four touchdowns, but was supplanted by rookie Donte Moncrief.
The 49ers are looking for a replacement for Michael Crabtree, who was also drafted in the first round of the 2009 draft, but has never really played up to his draft position.