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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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#3 – Will Hernandez

AUSTIN, TX – SEPTEMBER 26: UTEP Miners fans before a game with the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 26, 2009 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX – SEPTEMBER 26: UTEP Miners fans before a game with the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 26, 2009 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Hernandez may be the most overlooked offensive line prospect in this year’s draft class, but UTEP’s star guard has been on the NFL’s radar for some time now.

One NFL scout told Sports Illustrated’s Bruce Feldman prior to the 2017 season that Hernandez was the top guard prospect in the nation. Despite high praise from NFL evaluators, it wasn’t until the Senior Bowl that UTEP’s 6-foot-2, 340-pound prospect began to climb draft analysts’ big boards.

He allowed the fewest pressures of any guard in the FBS with a minimum of 230-plus snaps in pass protection, according to Pro Football Focus.

He is currently projected to be a first to second-round draft selection and has drawn comparisons with Buffalo Bills four-time Pro Bowler Richie Incognito, according to NFL Network.

Hernandez may not have the ideal length of a starting NFL offensive lineman, but he does have a rare combination of strength and athleticism that all 32 franchises would likely love to have.

If the Giants are unable to retain Pugh in free agency, the Miners two-time second-team All-American could immediately fill the void at left guard.

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