NFL CAREER – Nicks needed little time in making the typically-difficult transition to the NFL trenches, as the 2008 fifth-round pick started the final 13 games last season and emerged as one of the league's best rookie linemen. A powerful run blocker who also has the wide wingspan and quick feet needed for pass protection, Nicks was a key factor in the Saints surrendering just 13 sacks last season, a team record. He was selected by multiple publications for All-Rookie honors, and is expected to continue to be a fixture on the club's offensive front.

CAREER TRANSACTIONS – Signed to a three-year contract, 7/23/08; Drafted in the fifth-round (164th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft.

HONORS – 2008: Pro Football Weekly All-Rookie, Sporting News All-Rookie.

2008 – After serving as a backup and goal-line tight end for the first three games, Nicks opened the final 13 contests at left guard and was a key component of an offensive unit that was ranked first in the NFL in yards per game and scoring, while setting a club record with only 13 sacks surrendered…After entering the starting lineup in the fourth game of the season, vs. San Francisco, the Saints would only give up nine sacks in the final 13 contests.

COLLEGE – Appeared in 23 games at Nebraska, starting 13 contests, including 11 at left tackle in 2007 and two at right tackle in 2006…During his two seasons with the Cornhuskers, he allowed just one sack…As a senior, he was named second-team All-Big 12 while registering 76 knockdown blocks…Appeared in all 11 games as a junior in 2006, serving as the top backup at RT, where he started the final two games…Attended Hartnell (Salinas, Calif.) JC in 2005…Played as a reserve defensive tackle as a true freshman at New Mexico State in 2003, recording three tackles and a fumble recovery…Majored in sociology.

PERSONAL – Attended Salinas (Calif.) HS, where he was a standout defensive tackle and named Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2002 in his region…While at Hartnell Junior College, also competed on the track team in shot put and discus…He and his wife, Bridget, have a daughter (Serena)…Born in San Francisco, Calif.