New York Giants Rookie Justin Pugh Could Win Starting Right Tackle Job

May 22, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants offensive tackle Justin Pugh (72) blocks defensive tackle Marvin Austin (96) during the New York Giants organized team activities at the Giants Timex Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports /

The New York Giants strongly believed in former Syracuse offensive lineman Justin Pugh’s athleticism and versatility when they made him their first-round selection in the 2013 NFL Draft. Pugh had the talent to start at either guard or tackle position and he could be getting that chance from day one.

Pugh will be in the mix for the starting right tackle job, according to ESPN New York, where he will compete with David Diehl and James Brewer.

“We added some young blood that can come in and look like they have the skill set to be able to play and contribute down the road,” said offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride. “There is no question, we needed an infusion of talent at that spot -– young talent that would be able to come in and eventually assume starting roles. How soon that will be remains to be seen.”

There are plenty veterans along the offensive line for the Giants, but the getting a young player like Pugh in the starting line up early will only speed up the growing process as he gets valuable experience under his belt right away.

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