2nd round prospect: Justin Pugh, OT - Syracuse

[Bwood]

Got a new prospect for you guys. Justin Pugh may not be a very popular name right now, which is good because by April he could actually be sneaking into the first round.

If we could land Pugh in the second I would be absolutely ecstatic. I really study my tackles and I can tell when a guy is going to have a nice career in the NFL, this guys got it. Pugh is a beast and will be one of those linemen that you plug in from day one and receive immediate impact and then the only time your hear their name is for a pro bowl selection.

"Pugh is an effortless mover for a 290-pound tackle with good body control and coordination to take on blocks and mirror rushers in space. Pugh needs to continue to fill out his frame and spend more time in the weight room, but the sky is the limit for the rising junior."

--Dane Brugler

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=r__FoiR8EdY

[DaCityKats]

did have some injuries in the past that will have to get checked out, but he do a pretty good job at protecting the blindside this year.

[Bwood]

Yeah injuries scare me too, especially how badly we've been burned in the past. But Pugh is not an over weight lazy player with knee problems.

If he looks 100% I see him sneaking into the first.

[Pejorative Miscreant]

If he looks 100% I see him sneaking into the first.

Agree

The OT field has thinned a lot with Lewan and Matthews going back to school and some of these guys like Pugh,and Aboushi will likely see their stock rise and move into the first round. I was hoping we could get a guy in the 1st round without reaching but if not hopefully someone close to Pugh's caliber will be available in the 2nd.

[Panthersguru14]

So if we got Pugh would you be on the cut Gross bandwagon?

[Swaggasaurus]

I like Aboushi better as a LT option, however would see Pugh as the next best guy.

[Pejorative Miscreant]

So if we got Pugh would you be on the cut Gross bandwagon?

Personally I wouldn't jump to that conclusion if we got an OT early. I think Gross' cap number is something that needs to be dealt with but wouldn't necessarily want to see him walk. Even if we get a stud left tackle Gross is still a very good right tackle (could slide back in at left if necessary) and could help groom a young lad.

[Panthersguru14]

Personally I wouldn't jump to that conclusion if we got an OT early. I think Gross' cap number is something that needs to be dealt with but wouldn't necessarily want to see him walk. Even if we get a stud left tackle Gross is still a very good right tackle (could slide back in at left if necessary) and could help groom a young lad.

Personally of we don't let gross walk then I don't want to draft a tackle in the first or second round I would prefer a guard. Or someone that will move inside to guard

[Bwood]

So if we got Pugh would you be on the cut Gross bandwagon?

Not nessascarily, but if they do let him go I feel like Pugh could step in and do just as good if not better.

[4Corners]

No

[Panthersguru14]

Not nessascarily, but if they do let him go I feel like Pugh could step in and do just as good if not better.

Then he could definitely be a possibility

[Catalyst]

I actually think we might have a shot at getting Pugh in the 4th round if things fall just right. Or possibly by trading our 4th + something to move into the 3rd and get him. I don't know that he goes in the 2nd round, even though he's well worth it, IMO.

[Bwood]

I actually think we might have a shot at getting Pugh in the 4th round if things fall just right. Or possibly by trading our 4th + something to move into the 3rd and get him. I don't know that he goes in the 2nd round, even though he's well worth it, IMO.

Pugh is a player who's stock is on the rise, and he will get even more attention after the combine. He's a second rounder right now and I hope he doesn't get picked at the end of the first by April.

[Catalyst]

My only concern is his size right now. He really needs to add a few pounds to be a high-level NFL starter. That could push him down somewhat because his technique is solid. I wouldn't complain if we took him in the 2nd, especially if he winds up being good enough to make Gross expendable.