2015 New York Giants: Top 5 Training Camp Battles

Sep 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants offensive tackle Justin Pugh (67) squeezes water in his face during warmups before a game against the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

5. Justin Pugh Vs. The Coaching Staff

Position: Right Tackle 

The New York Giants coaching staff most likely gave up on Justin Pugh playing right tackle. That was evident when the Giants drafted Ereck Flowers to play the position. Flowers was brought in to start immediately, so that means Pugh would be moved to the inside. Pugh is a great lineman, but is better suited to play guard than tackle. However, all of that is going to change now that Will Beatty is injured.

Flowers would come in to play left tackle instead of right. That also means Pugh might have to stay at right tackle now. He has stated on multiple occasions that he wants to play right tackle and only right tackle. It’s up to the coaches to decide who plays where in the end. Now is the time for Pugh to show that he should play right tackle.

The competition he is going up against isn’t all that great, so the real issue is convincing the coaching staff. Many Giants’ linemen play multiple positions, so there’s going to be a lot of players in contention. The organization clearly has made its mind up when it comes to Pugh playing tackle or guard, but this was all planned before the Beatty injury.

Pugh’s biggest issue is going to be showing the coaching staff he’s the best option to play right tackle. All odds are against him at the moment. Ben McAdoo and Tom Coughlin have to do some serious thinking because protecting Eli Manning is vital to having success. Having a weak offensive line is what killed the Giants’ season in 2014.

Next: Wide Receiver