2026 NFL Draft: Amid off-field controversy, Patriots trade up for another left tackle
Patriots trade up to select Caleb Lomu, raising questions about Will Campbell amid Vrabel's off-field issues.
Giants' draft pick Francis Mauigoa expressed his commitment to quarterback Jaxson Dart, stating, 'I'm ready to die for you,' during the 2026 NFL Draft. This message was shared live after Mauigoa was selected with the No. 10 overall pick.
Mentioned in this story
'I'm ready to die for you' is message from Giants' draft pick to Jaxson Dart originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Hopefully Jaxson Dart was watching the 2026 NFL Draft first round on Thursday night.
Because after the New York Giants picked offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa out of Miami with the No. 10 overall pick, he had a message for Dart.
Mauigoa was asked by ESPN's Laura Rutledge what he wanted to say to his new quarterback.
"I'm ready to die for you," Mauigoa said to Dart through the camera -- and to be clear, he said it multiple times.
2026 NFL DRAFT HQ:Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Best players still available
That's a special message for a QB to hear.
Mauigoa also alluded to the fact that Dart had dealt with a rough rookie season with some injuries, which Mauigoa called "adversity."
Clearly, he had thought about the Giants as a destination.
And clearly, Mauigoa wants the Giants to know he's ready to commit himself to the cause.
John Harbaugh is the new Giants' head coach, and they had two top-10 picks.
They went Arvell Reese from Ohio State for the defense at No. 5.
BEST DRAFT NAMES: | | |
Francis Mauigoa told Jaxson Dart, 'I'm ready to die for you,' multiple times during a live interview after being drafted.
Francis Mauigoa was drafted by the New York Giants with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Francis Mauigoa plays as an offensive tackle for the New York Giants.
Patriots trade up to select Caleb Lomu, raising questions about Will Campbell amid Vrabel's off-field issues.
Did the Rams make a mistake by drafting Ty Simpson at No. 13?
Raptors snap playoff losing streak to Cavaliers with 126-104 win, series 2-1
DeGrom strikes out 10 and Carter hits inside-the-park HR as Rangers win 6-1!
Bears steal Dillon Thieneman at No. 25 in NFL Draft
Eagles trade up to select USC's Makai Lemon at No. 20
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
And then at No. 10, the pick acquired for Dexter Lawrence from the Bengals, they snagged Mauigoa to slot in at left tackle.
They got rid of a pressure player from their defense, and they acquired a guy to limit pressure offensively on their quarterback.
Mauigoa sure is ready to get on the field with Dart.