Instant analysis: Giants add a ‘people-mover’ in Francis Mauigoa

The NY Giants select Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa at 10th overall. | Getty Images

The whirlwind first round of the 2026 NFL Draft speeds on as the New York Giants have selected Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa.

Mauigoa played right tackle for the Hurricanes, however he will almost certainly slide inside to play right guard next to Jermaine Eluemunor.

The 6-foot-5, 330 pound Mauigoa is an exceptionally powerful player with very good mobility for the guard position. The addition of Mauigoa will help to not only upgrade the Giants pass protection as well as add a people-mover to their running game. There’s a question as to whether Mauigoa will be able to transition back to right tackle after Jermaine Eluemunor’s time is done, however that’s also a question for another day.

This gives the Giants another answer on their offensive line for the foreseeable future, as well as a powerful addition next to John Michael Schmitz as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.

Mauigoa said after being drafted that he was ready to die for Jaxson Dart, and that tracks with his college tape. The big Hurricane is a downright mean blocker who revels in the physical aspect of the game and plays with a mauler’s mentality. He does an excellent job of fighting to sustain his blocks, working to re-anchor if he’s initially beaten, and finish his blocks with his opponent on the ground.

Mauigoa should be a good fit for the man-gap power run principles that Greg Roman will add to the Giants’ offense. His “tackle” feet will also allow him to excel in inside or outside zone blocks, as well as a pulling blocker. The combination of Mauigoa and fullback Patrick Rickard will make for a formidable combination ahead of (who is likely ramming his head into a wall out of joy as we speak) and Tyrone Tracy. The Giants also now have a bevy of young blockers who are competing to back up Mauigoa or perhaps even unseat at left guard.