It was no secret that the Giants went into the NFL Draft wanting to upgrade their offensive line, specifically targeting their right tackle position. As tackles came off the board early and often in the first round last night, the Giants did not waver and with the 19th overall pick took Justin Pugh out of Syracuse.
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 in the first round.
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Pugh was a three-year starter for Syracuse and at 6-4 and 307 pounds played left tackle in college. 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 and versatile enough to play any position on the offensive line except center. But Diehl, 32, showed signs of wearing down last season and is coming off knee surgery.
As expected, there was an immediate run on offensive tackles, with three off the board in the first four picks. That did not bode well for a player high on the Giants’ list, massive D.J. Fluker of Alabama, dropping down to them and he did not, as the Chargers took him at No. 11. Another player the Giants liked, Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro, went to the Saints at No. 15.