Giants Justin Pugh honored by PFWA

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: Jim O

Giants right tackle Justin Pugh, the 19th overall selection in last April’s draft, was named to the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie team on Monday. Following early season growing pains — allowed two sacks and seven quarterback hurries at Carolina in week 3 — Pugh gradually adjusted to the speed of NFL defensive ends and inherited the role of run game anchor over the final ten weeks. He was rated 2.5 as a run blocker by Pro Football Focus, standing 23rd among all eligible tackles (right and left).

“My whole goal was just to contribute and help the team win in any way possible, if it was on special teams or as a starting right tackle,” Pugh said. “I wanted to play my part and show these guys that I came here to play and play well.”

The other four offensive linemen selected by the PFWA: center Travis Frederick (Dallas), guards Kyle Long (Chicago) and Larry Warford (Detroit), and left tackle D.J. Fluker (San Diego).