New York Jets: Saalim Hakim, What’s Next?

Aug 22, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver

Saalim Hakim

(15) receives for a return during the third quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. New York Giants won 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Saalim Hakim surely isn’t a household name among Jets fans. Many it seems, didn’t know he was even on the roster until he ran down Sammy Watkins while playing safety, saving a touchdown. Others, more aware of the active roster know him for his lack of production as a kick off returner. I thought as I’ve been so critical of John Idzik’s acquisitions this season, that I’d take some time to take a look at Hakim and what he may or may not provide for the Jets future.

Hakim was picked up last October off the wires after New Orleans Saints cut him. He went undrafted coming out of college, playing for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. In 2012 he was signed by the Dallas Cowboys, but was cut the same year. In that same year he spent time on the St. Louis Rams and New Orleans Saints before being released by both teams. He saw his first action for the Jets after last season’s injury to Stephen Hill. His career stats in now 11 games with the Jets are straight zero’s, playing more on special teams and gimmick plays than as a an outside receiver. To say the least this guy is an enigma, possessing 4.2 speed in the forty, and yet he’s seen very little playing time and putting up no receptions.

Recently, Rex Ryan has inserted him as a safety and or cornerback on blitzing situations on the defensive side of the ball. His tackle of Sammy Watkins on a deep ball was impressive as it showed off his speed, but most importantly for me, it showed he’s a hustler! His scouting report before the draft had him as a fit in a west coast offense, which the Jets are currently running under offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. What’s next for Saalim Hakim?

Aug 28, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Saalim Hakim (15) catches a kick off against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won 37-7. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

I’ve been tossing around some ideas in my head, as to that question. This kid, if nothing else, displays versatility. He plays on special teams, has lined up as a slot receiver, as well as an outside receiver, and has been used as a running back as well. He’s been active for all eight games this season, but drops and the lack of production has kept him mostly on the sidelines. Hakim has elite speed on the outside, his routes are a bit raw, and the drops have hurt, but with the Jets lacking a deep threat, you have to wonder why he isn’t seeing more snaps at WR. The Jets aren’t exactly stacked at WR, so this makes Hakim a nice project. If he develops into a more explosive wide receiver on the outside, he might have a future on the Jets roster. But at what position?

Ryan is no stranger to converting offensive players to the defensive side of the ball. Could the Jets be considering that kind of move for Hakim? He has both size (5’11″/188lbs) and speed (4.2./40 yds), and with the Jets secondary being the mess that it is, Hakim might do well being utilized as a corner, if he can learn the position sufficiently. Deep safety might be a spot as well, if as I said, he can make the conversion. This is probably not the plan for this young man, but its an intriguing aspect to his game. Whether we ever see that happen is anyone’s guess, something to sit back and discuss though.

I’m left to wonder about Hakim as a wide receiver. His blazing speed in the forty would make him a legitimate deep threat in any system, but especially the Jets system that lacks outside speedsters.`I’m left to wonder why he hasn’t seen more snaps. Mornhinweg loves to runs screens, it’s an anchor to his version of the West Coast offense. We’ve seen him call running back screens and wide receiver screens, yet Hakim isn’t involved! I’m not an offensive guru by any means, but it seems to me Hakim would look great streaking down the sideline off of a screen or even a reverse. Again, the drops have hurt him, he has that bad habit of allowing the ball into his body, but with the Jets lacking any kind of offense, I’m left wondering why they can’t find a way to utilize him. Practice makes perfect they say, so at 1-7, why not throw caution to the wind and allow Hakim to play full time, and see what he can contribute?

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I’m not a fan of the “Wildcat”, I’ve stated it many times in the past. Yet, somehow I keep going back to the thought of experimenting with Hakim. His size and speed might make him a perfect candidate for such plays. Now I’m not suggesting the Jets go back to relying heavily on the “Wildcat”, but it might be worth while to at least try Hakim in such a role. Hakim does possess an upside, and this might just be an option for the Jets to tap into some of that. Some food for thought anyways.

Saalim Hakim makes for an interesting project. Both his size and speed make him an intriguing player. His brother Az-Zahir Hakim had a mixed career playing from 1989 until 2007 while bouncing around the league playing WR and returning punts. Hakim in my opinion possesses some unique talents. The kid is still fairly young (24), and if given some more chances might just yet develop into a contributor. I’m not claiming he’s going to be a super star at this level, he may never develop into an every down receiver even. What I do believe. is that the Jets have nothing to loose by allowing defenses to face a heavy dose of Hakim for the remainder of the season. Feed him the ball deep and let’s see what he can do!

Anyway, I thought after my last article on John Idzik’s ineptitude as the Jets GM, it would be interesting to take a look at one of his overlooked acquisitions. I’m curious to know your opinions of Saalim Hakim. Does he make the roster next year? How would you use the speedster? Let’s talk Saalim Hakim today! As always, let’s discuss this one!

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