2013 NFL Draft: New York Giants select Justin Pugh, OT, Syracuse

With the 19th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft the New York Giants selected Syracuse University offensive lineman Justin Pugh. That makes Pugh, a versatile lineman who can play several positions, the seventh offensive lineman selected in the first round.

The Giants bypassed Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, cornerbacks Desmond Trufant and Xavier Rhodes and defensive ends Bjeorn Werner and Tank Carrdine of Florida State to make the stunning selection of Pugh, whose name was first connected to the Giants in a mock draft by Mike Mayock of the NFL Network.

[Related: BBV NFL Draft Hub Page]

"It doesn't feel like a typical Giants pick," said Matthew Fairburn of SB Nation's Mocking The Draft. "They normally pick for value and the value was with Sharrif Floyd. Instead the Giants reached for need."

Pugh would seem like a likely candidate to compete with David Diehl and James Brewer at right tackle.

Jerry Reese: "He was the highest guy on our board. You guys think I'm joking when I say that, but he was the highest guy on our board."

— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoNYDN) April 26, 2013

In mocking Pugh to the Giants, Mayock wrote:

I think this is a great fit for what the Giants need. The right side of their offensive line is getting older, and this kid is a technician. I don't care about his 32-inch arms. I care about his footwork, his angles, his understanding of the game. His versatility will make the Giants a better football team.

Heading into the draft many thought the Giants would target an offensive lineman. None of the big six linemen fell past the 11th pick, however. Alabama right tackle D.J. Fluker -- often thought of as a Giants' target -- was the last of the six to go off the board, being taken by the San Diego Chargers at No. 11.

Vote in the poll, Giants' fans.