ELI PROTECTOR: Justin Pugh, drafted 19th in the first round by the Giants, is expected to compete for the starting right tackle job. (AP)
Tom Coughlin said he was sold on Justin Pugh after the very first question he asked him: Who is the most famous Syracuse alum you’re most familiar with?
“He didn’t say Jim Brown,’’ the Giants coach said last night, beaming. “He said ‘Coughlin.’ ’’
Surely that’s not why the Giants took Pugh, an offensive tackle from Syracuse, with the 19th overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft but no doubt the head coach — a Syracuse alum — liked what he heard from a player who should immediately challenge for the starting right tackle job.
It was no secret the Giants went into the draft wanting to upgrade their offensive line, specifically targeting their right tackle position. As expected, there was a fast and furious run on tackles — three went in the first four picks — and then massive D.J. Fluker — an object of the Giants’ desires — went off the board at No. 11 to the Chargers.
“Everyone predicted this to be a big-boy draft,’’ general manager Jerry Reese said.
This was unquestionably a need pick for the Giants, as many draft prognostications had Pugh as a second-round talent. There were more eye-catching players on the board — tight end Tyler Eifert, linebacker Alec Ogletree, defensive end Bjoern Werner — but the Giants clearly liked Pugh, who was the fifth offensive tackle off the board.
“It was surreal,’’ said Pugh, clearly excited about coming to the Giants. “I saw that 201 number I knew who that was. It was crazy. Coach Coughlin said, ‘Welcome to the Giants.’ It was amazing.’’
Reese insisted this was not a reach but rather a case, again, of the Giants staying true to their draft board, stating Pugh was the highest-rated player left when No. 19 came around. Reese called him “a terrific football player’’ and stressed “You win with big people. You got to have ’em.’’
The Giants love Pugh’s versatility. He was a three-year starter at left tackle for Syracuse, but Reese says Pugh can play right tackle, either guard spot and possibly even center. The Giants don’t need a left tackle, as they re-signed Will Beatty as their franchise left tackle. They do need a right tackle, though.
David Diehl, the longest-tenured Giants player, is entering his 11th season and is on the roster only because he agreed to a hefty pay cut. He’s a proud veteran, a starter (at left tackle) on two Super Bowl-winning teams. But Diehl, 32, showed signs of wearing down last season and is coming off knee surgery.
Will Pugh challenge for a starting job right away?
“I’m sure competitively he’ll have that opportunity and if he wins that job he’ll be the starter,’’ Coughlin said.
The Giants prefer their tackles have arm lengths of at least 33 inches. Pugh has extremely short arms — 32 inches — and that often makes it difficult for linemen to keep defenders off him. Reese said he studied “tape after tape after tape’’ looking specifically to see if Pugh’s short arms presented problems for him.
“I could never see his arms as an issue,’’ Reese said.
This was a classic Giants pick in that Reese said Pugh is “our kind of guy — clean.’’ Asked what he meant by clean, Reese said, “He doesn’t have any warts on him, off the field issues or not a good athlete.’’
Pugh missed the first four games last season with a shoulder injury but came back to start the next nine, and he said his shoulder is fine. He said “I can play all five offensive line positions’’ and starting from day one is not out of the question.
“I’m confident about my ability to come in and start,’’ he said.
He also said he grew up near Philadelphia and rooted for the Eagles but now “I’m a fan of winning.’’
Meet the new Giant:
JUSTIN PUGH
School: Syracuse
Position: Offensive lineman
Picked: First round, 19th
Height: 6-4
Weight: 301
What he offers: Pugh is versatile enough to play any position on the line. He’ll be put at right tackle right away but in time could move in at either guard spot or possibly even center. He’s a smart technician who came out of college after his junior year and figures to challenge immediately for David Diehl’s right tackle spot.
What’s next?
What to look for from the Giants on Day 2 (Rounds 2 and 3) of the NFL Draft:
l After going offensive line in the first round, you have to figure the Giants will try to address their many defensive needs in either the second or third round, or perhaps in both of them. It would not be a surprise if they pick a pass rusher, a cornerback, a linebacker or a safety. Upgrading the speed on defense is likely a priority.
paul.schwartz@nypost.com