New York Giants: 5 potential replacements for Pugh, Richburg

Big Blue is in jeopardy of losing their two best offensive linemen in free agency.

New York Giants left guard Justin Pugh and center Weston Richburg are both set to hit the free agent market this offseason.

Giants newly appointed general manager Dave Gettleman may try to keep both players in the Big Apple. But with little cap space and multiple holes on the roster, the G-Men may not be able to afford both free agents.

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert has both Pugh and Richburg on his list of top 50 potential free agents, and Pro Football Focus ranks New York’s left guard as the 12th best free agent.

Pugh’s ability to play both guard and right tackle is sure to boost his value this offseason, but he also has a long history of injuries. The Giants 2013 first-round pick has completed just one full 16-game slate in his first five seasons. He ended the 2017 season on injured reserve with a back injury.

While Richburg is unlikely to draw as much attention this offseason, the former second-round pick is still considered one of the top centers to hit the market. Through his first three seasons, Richburg missed just one game. But he had his 2017 season derailed due to a concussion, starting just four games.

The Giants also have questions to answer at left tackle with Ereck Flowers and right guard with John Jerry. Gettleman has already made it clear that the “hog mollies” up front will be a priority this offseason, but it’s anyone’s guess who will be back next season.

If the Giants are unable to retain both Pugh and Richburg in free agency, New York’s personnel and scouting department will have to determine how to fill the void.

Below are 10 potential replacements for Richburg and Pugh that have the ability to fill their starting roles if needed in 2018.

#5 – John Sullivan

If the Giants are unable to retain Richburg in free agency due to a tight cap space, Gettleman could potentially target nine-year veteran John Sullivan.

Baltimore Ravens center Ryan Jensen is expected to be the top free agent center on the market this offseason, which will likely make him too expensive for Big Blue.

Sullivan could provide a one-year option for the Giants with upside potential. The former sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame was key to the Los Angeles Rams’ turnaround in 2017.

He signed a one-year deal with the Rams in free agency last offseason and started 16 games, including Los Angeles’ playoff loss to Atlanta.

If the Giants are looking for a proven veteran to join their roster on a bargain deal, Sullivan could be a perfect target to replace Richburg.

#4 – Frank Ragnow

If the Giants decide to replace Richburg, the 2018 draft will provide plenty of options.

Arkansas’ 6-foot-5, 309-pound center is one of the top prospects at his position in this year’s draft class and could end up being a steal depending on where he is selected.

Ragnow is coming off a season-ending ankle injury but was Pro Football Focus’ top graded center when on the field in 2017.

NFL Network draft analyst Lance Zierlein projects the Razorbacks center to be a second to third-round draft selection. Ragnow has drawn comparisons with Houston Texans center Nick Martin, and at least one NFL scout expects him to be an early starter at the next level.

"“He’s a tough guy and a leader in that locker room. He’s got the personality that you want your center to have and he’s got good strength. I see him as an early starter in the league.”"

#3 – James Daniels

The Hawkeyes 6-foot-4, 295-pound center has quickly become one of the early risers this year’s draft. Daniels is considered one of the top three centers in this year’s class, and one NFC executive believes he has the ability to excel early on at the next level, via NFL Network.

"“The Iowa guys are always going to be quick and proficient, but you have to see them tested against power because they are usually going to be a little smaller, too. This guy has decent size and I think he’s got pretty good functional power. He would come in and challenge for best center in our division right away.”"

Daniels started 23 games at center over the past two seasons in the Big Ten and still has plenty of room for growth at just 20-years-old. The Hawkeyes center can continue to boost his draft value at the Scouting Combine.

Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller has Big Blue selecting Daniels with the No. 34 overall pick in his mock draft.

If the Giants are unable to retain Richburg in free agency, Daniels could prove to be an ideal fit.

#2 – Brett Jones

The best solution for Big Blue may be to let Jones permanently replace Richburg at center.

Jones, 26, started 13 games in 2017 and proved himself a viable starting option in his third season with the Giants. The former CFL all-star struggled in run blocking but was Pro Football Focus’ second ranked center in pass protection.

Jones is a restricted free agent this offseason, according to Spotrac. He hopes to be a part of Big Blue’s turnaround under new head coach Pat Shurmur and has said he wants to hold onto the starting role next season, via New York’s team website.

"“I just want to keep being the starter. That’s all I want to do. I want to be able to keep playing. It’s just so much fun, and I’m looking forward to that.”"

If the Giants re-sign Pugh and keep Jones at center and Jerry at right guard, New York’s top priority will be solving the tackle positions. The Giants could also elect to start Pugh at right tackle and move Flowers to left guard. But the G-Men would still have to address their left tackle position either in the draft or free agency.

#1 – Billy Price

Ohio State’s 6-foot-4, 312-pound center is expected to make an immediate impact at the next level. He is considered the top center prospect by most draft analysts and could easily be off the board before the Giants second-round pick.

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah wrote in December that Price is “one of the best center prospects I’ve seen in the past decade.” ESPN’s lead draft analyst Mel Kiper lists him as the 18th best prospect regardless of position.

The Buckeyes first-team All-American has the potential to be a year-in and year-out Pro Bowler at the next level. One AFC pro personnel director expects him to turn heads at the Scouting Combine, via NFL Network. 

"“Man he is a different kind of guy altogether. Has a lot of edge for sure. Love his toughness and his grit and wait until you see him at the combine. He might hit 40 on the bench and he’s going to run well too.”"

If Big Blue elects to move on from Richburg and Price is available at the top of the second-round, the Giants would be foolish to pass on the Ohio State center.

#5 – Braden Smith

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.

#4 – Isaiah Wynn

Arguably no prospect boosted his draft stock more at this year’s Senior Bowl than Isaiah Wynn.

The Bulldogs 6-foot-2, 308-pound left tackle won offensive lineman practice player of the week in Mobile and was playing with a torn labrum.

Wynn is expected to transition to guard at the next level but has the talent to play tackle if needed. He has drawn comparisons with New York Jets starting left tackle Kelvin Beachum, who is just slightly taller at 6-foot-3.

Bleacher Report’s lead draft analyst Matt Miller has the Atlanta Falcons selecting the Bulldogs prospect in the first-round of his most recent mock draft. Less than a month prior to his mock draft, Miller had Wynn listed as the tenth best guard in this year’s class.

There is no question Wynn’s play in Mobile elevated his draft stock, so much so that he might be out of reach for the G-Men in the second-round.

Wynn is arguably the most versatile offensive lineman in this year’s draft. He has the ability to play tackle, guard, and center at the next level, which could make him the perfect replacement for Pugh.

#3 – Will Hernandez

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.

#2 – Quenton Nelson

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.

#1 – Andrew Norwell

There’s only one player that could top Nelson on this list of replacements, and that’s a proven first-team All-Pro.

There have already been rumors that Gettleman will look to target Norwell in free agency this offseason. Big Blue’s new general manager signed the undrafted 6-foot-6, 325-pound offensive lineman after the 2014 draft. Norwell has not disappointed in his first four seasons in Carolina, starting 54 regular season games.

He helped the Panthers reach the Super Bowl in his second season and has started in six postseason games.

Norwell didn’t allow a sack or hit on the quarterback in 2017 and his impressive play is nothing new. He is only one of four NFL offensive linemen to log at least 500 pass-blocking snaps without allowing either a sack or hit on the quarterback since 2006, according to Pro Football Focus.

While Norwell may not have the versatility to play both guard and tackle like Pugh, he would surely upgrade New York’s pass protection. And it’s not as though Norwell struggles as a run-blocker. Pro Football Focus graded him the eighth best run-blocking guard in 2017.

Given Pugh’s injury history and Gettleman’s connection to Norwell, a reunion in the Big Apple doesn’t seem too far-fetched. But then again, Norwell is expected to have plenty of suitors and will likely command top dollar on the free agent market.

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