NFL: New York Giants Justin Pugh

by Chad Jones

Justin Pugh. Photo credit NFL

When Tom Coughlin was hired in 2004, he drafted future son-in-law Chris Snee 34th in the Manning Draft. San Diego demanded this selection, but the Giants refused to surrender it. Snee has been a stalwart for the past Decade. 

Jim Fassell was fired because the Team lost toughness. While fantasy leagues pay attention to wide receivers, the foundation is the Offensive Line. Coughlin molded a Super Bowl caliber Line by 2007, and the unit combined with pass rushers became Road Warriors. Remember- the high octane Patriots entered XLII 18-0, but the Giants came out victorious by sheer will, unity & physical play. Eli gets the credit, but it was the Line Groups. 


After 2007, the Giants resigned Shaun O'Hara, David Diehl, Chris Snee & Richie Seubert to longterm deals. In the prime of their careers, play warranted it. 

Missing the playoffs in 2009 & 2010, the OL was quietly overhauled. The 2nd Title came on Eli's shoulders. During the 2012 season, the regression of the Lines was evident. David Diehl, the longest tenured Giant, is no longer a starting caliber player, and the group is on its last legs. That includes 31 year old Chris Snee.

The Giants are not fading quietly. Ownership, Reese & Coughlin are extending the contention window with wise personnel moves and tough decisions. After bidding farewell to Bradshaw, Boley, and Canty in emotional press conferences; Reese filled voids with low profile signings. The 'Core' Players simply aren't dominant anymore, and in NFL terms are thus overpaid. John Mara is committed to making one final run, and is leveraging the future subtly in the process. The Super Bowl in New York is obviously a driver, but in reality a Tremendous Era of Giants Football is concluding. 

Rather than comprehensively rebuilding, Reese is addressing the offensive & defensive fronts. Stop the Run & Protect Eli. Disregarding the 'BPA' Approach, more simply drafting high upside players, versatile Syracuse OL Justin Pugh was selected. Coughlin has refused to play Rookies during his tenure, until they become 'Accountable, Reliable & Consistent.' Pugh is a Coughlin Pick- he's ready to contribute immediately anywhere on the Offensive Line. 

Pugh isn't flashy, but prospect wise he's virtually identical to Chris Snee. The similarities are striking. 

Chris Snee: (Declared Early RS JR)
Height: 6-2 3/8
Weight: 314
Arm Length: 31 3/8"
Hand Length: 9"
40: 5.10
10-Yard Split: 1.75
Reps-225: 29
Vertical: 30.5"
Hometown: Montrose, PA
Awards: First Team All Big East 2003
College Starts: 34

Justin Pugh: (Declared Early RS JR)
Height: 6-4 1/2
Weight: 307
Arm Length: 32"
Hand Length: 10 1/4"
40: 5.10
10-Yard Split: 1.67
Reps-225: /
Vertical: 28.5"
Hometown: Holland, PA
Awards: First Team All Big East 2012
College Starts: 34

Won't be considered a Sexy pick- Media & fans will criticize it. But Pugh brings versatility, toughness & fits the Giants mold. Longterm he might kick inside, but he can hold up at Right Tackle. Reese says with the pick, "Tom- I've controlled the draft process for many years. What do you need & who do you want?"

Coughlin spoke to a protege Doug Marrone (Bills New Head Coach), and selected his Offensive Linemen. Pugh will be a Foundational Player for the next decade. Could be a Pro Bowl caliber Offensive Guard or a starting Right Tackle. It's a pick the fan base should support despite media critics. Because at the end of the day, Tom Coughlin has earned their trust.