The New York Giants are known for making solid and smart draft picks each offseason and this year was no different as Jerry Reese and company selected two possible future starters in offensive lineman Justin Pugh and quarterback Ryan Nassib.
While Nassib hopefully won't be starting anytime soon with Eli Manning at the helm, Pugh has already started off well at right tackle, where he opened camp over the weekend, signaling that he could push David Diehl and James Brewer in training camp. The Giants liked what they saw from Pugh leading up to the draft and felt that he was the right pick for them at 19 and despite the fact that he can play nearly any position on the line, the team likes where he is at right tackle. While Brewer and Diehl will have the upper had as camp starts, Pugh has proven himself already and could be in the mix to start right away.
Pugh played with Nassib at Syracuse and although he played left tackle at Syracuse, he has shown no issues while switching sides and he previously started working out on the right side before the draft. Nassib started off camp on a good note as well at the team facility, making some strong throws and looked sharp while delivering the ball. The Giants felt they had to draft Nassib based on value in the fourth round, as they had him rated on their second level and they decided to trade up to get him.
Nassib looked poised and strong and in commend during practice over the weekend and the team also liked how he worked under pressure. Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride said that he started off very well with the playbook and terminology and depending on how he plays, he could get the backup position for Eli Manning. Syracuse rookie wide receiver Marcus Sales was also at camp, giving Nassib some familiar faces with Pugh as well and the receiver could end up on the roster. The Giants could also possibly sign Ahmad Bradshaw if he can't find a home in free agency.
"I have been working on my right tackle stance ever since then so it feels a lot better now," Pugh said of getting acclimated to the spot. "And just keep getting more and more reps, keep getting live reps against guys and as it gets better, it will get easier.
"I played some right [tackle] when I was in practice but never in a game," he added. "When I got to the Senior Bowl, played a little right guard, right tackle, so I got more and more comfortable. I played right guard in high school. But I am comfortable with the right side."
