Browns draft: Medical updates could impact top OT, QB in the 2026 NFL draft

The back injury is not a significant issue now, and it is asymptomatic, but teams say that if it worsens at all, Mauigoa would then need surgery that could sideline him roughly three months. Some teams think he’ll eventually need the surgery at some point either way. One front office executive said last week that if the injury flares up in training camp and requires surgery, it might potentially end Mauigoa’s rookie season.

No team sounds overly concerned about the long-term ramifications of the injury, but the herniated disc has at least been discussed in draft rooms across the league. Mauigoa is considered by many to be the top offensive lineman in this year’s draft, even if there is a chance he fits best as a guard long-term. The back issue could be a big deal to some teams and not to others, but if Mauigoa slides, we might now know the reason. QB **Garrett Nussemeier** was a hot name around this time last year as a potential Top 5-10 pick in the next draft. Instead, Nussemeier’s season was disappointing with injury and lack of performance dropping him to 83rd on the Consensus Big Board. According to a report, the medical issue that was the cause of most of Nussemeier’s poor performance has been identified, is now asymptomatic, and could be fixed with a quick procedure if needed: For Nussmeier, teams will have to look at his film to decide whether what they saw in 2024 was who they believe he can be and whether they feel comfortable with his current medical issue related to his spine. Two big updates, both back-related, that could see Mauigoa slide a bit and Nussmeier rise a bit, depending on how comfortable teams are with the medical reports. ***Given what we know, do either of these updates change how you see these two players?*** *Share your draft injury thoughts in the comment section below*

Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

• Fewer ads
• Create community posts
• Comment on articles, community posts
• Rec comments, community posts
• New, improved notifications system!