Top Dolphins target heads for medical recheck before 2026 NFL Draft

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 8: Francis Mauigoa #61 of the Miami Hurricanes celebrate on stage after the second half of CFP Semifinal Vrbo Fiesta Bowl against the Ole Miss Rebels at State Farm Stadium on January 8, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona.The Miami Hurricanes defeated the Ole Miss Rebels 31-27. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images) | Getty Images

We are just 15 days away from the start of the 2026 NFL Draft, which means rumors, opinions and conjecture are swirling around the internet like twisters sweeping the dusty plains of middle America. While reading those sorts of things can be a fun way to pass the time prior to the annual selection process for the National Football League, getting concrete news is very much appreciated as well.

That is, unless you are a draft prospect who receives information that could hurt your draft stock come April 23rd when the 2026 NFL Draft begins.

Today, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that University of Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa will be at Combine Rechecks this Friday to get additional testing on a back injury that caused the young player discomfort at the end of his collegiate career. Apparently it’s a disc issue for Mauigoa, but not one that would see the player needing immediate surgery, according to the insider.

Now, news that could potentially be damning to Mauigoa’s stock may actually be a positive development for the Miami Dolphins if the Hurricanes lineman is their top target come draft day. After all, most every NFL Draft expert has Mauigoa being selected ahead of the Dolphins’ first pick at #11. However, if teams picking in the top-ten of the draft are scared off by some back discomfort for the 20-year-old, that could cause a mini-slide that allows Miami to snag a blue-chip prospect without even needing to trade up a few spots.

Of course, you won’t find me wishing an actual injury on any young man trying to achieve his dreams of making it to the NFL, but if members of the Dolphins’ staff want to float anonymous reports embellishing Mauigoa’s back soreness in order to get the mauler in aqua and orange for the foreseeable future, that would be their prerogative.