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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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#5 – Braden Smith

ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 02: The Georgia Bulldogs line up against the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 02: The Georgia Bulldogs line up against the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

There are few options in free agency for potential replacements for Pugh, but this year’s draft class has plenty of interior offensive line depth.

Auburn’s 6-foot-6, 303-pound guard could fill the void if needed and is currently projected to be a third to fourth-round draft selection, according to NFL Network.

Smith started 41 consecutive games during his collegiate career and earned first-team All-American honors for his play in his senior season. Pro Football Focus gave him the highest grade (88.5) of any guard in the SEC in 2017.

Miller lists Smith as the second best guard prospect in this year’s draft class and labels him the “biggest riser” on his big board. The Tigers offensive lineman has drawn comparisons with Cleveland Browns starting guard Kevin Zeitler.

Smith is considered one of the most well-rounded offensive line prospects in this year’s class.

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