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New York Giants: 5 potential replacements for Pugh, Richburg

By Henry Buggy

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 18: Weston Richburg #70 of the New York Giants takes the field before playing against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium on September 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 18: Weston Richburg #70 of the New York Giants takes the field before playing against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium on September 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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#2 – Quenton Nelson

SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 28: Josh Adams #33, Alex Bars #71, and Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Notre Dame Stadium on October 28, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 28: Josh Adams #33, Alex Bars #71, and Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Notre Dame Stadium on October 28, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

There’s no way this list would be complete without Nelson. The Fighting Irish’s 6-foot-5, 329-pound guard is arguably the best prospect in this year’s draft class and could easily go in the top 10 of the 2018 draft.

He was the best guard in college football in 2017 and wasn’t close, according to Pro Football Focus.

Nelson has drawn comparisons with Hall of Famer Larry Allen, and the Notre Dame prospect received high praise from one NFC personnel executive, via NFL Network.

"“He’s so unique because he’s big, but he’s not fat. He’s one of the best run blockers I’ve ever evaluated, but he’s not a liability in pass protection Mike Iupati is. He’s also an alpha who can bring an a**-kicking mindset into your position room.”"

The Giants would have to use the No. 2 overall selection or trade back within the top 15 picks to land this year’s best offensive lineman. Nelson is arguably an upgrade over Pugh at left guard and would immediately improve New York’s rushing attack.

It’s unknown if Gettleman would use a first-round selection on a guard with needs at multiple positions, but a prospect of Nelson’s caliber doesn’t come along often.

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