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The New York Giants made Miami right tackle Francis Mauigoa the 10th pick of the first round in the 2026 NFL Draft. He was the second offensive lineman taken.

The 6-foot-5 1/2, 329-pound former five-star recruit from American Samoa started every game in his college career (42) at right tackle for the Hurricanes and earned first-team All-America honors in 2025 as a junior. Only 20 years old, Mauigoa became the first Miami player since Eric Winston in 2005 to win the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the ACC’s best lineman.

“Sisi” comes from a highly athletic background. Both of his parents played volleyball, and his older brother, former Miami linebacker Francisco Mauigoa, was a fifth-round pick of the Jets in the 2025 draft.

Run blocking is considered Mauigoa’s strength. He allowed eight sacks over the course of three seasons for the Hurricanes, but only three over the last two seasons. He didn’t miss a game for Miami because of injury.

‘The Beast’ breakdown

Mauigoa ranked No. 11 in Dane Brugler’s top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:

“Mauigoa is a durable blocker with coordinated movements, excellent play strength and the finishing mentality to match. Though his college tape says he can stay outside at right tackle, his skill set would be maximized inside at guard in the NFL.”

Coaching intel

What an anonymous defensive coordinator had to say about Mauigoa in Bruce Feldman’s mock draft:

“He could just maul guys in college. This guy is really good with his hands. He’s also surprisingly fluid. I don’t think he has great feet, but he does move well. But we felt like he’s much better as a run blocker than a pass protector.”

Nick Baumgardner grades the pick

I was curious to see if the Giants went for Caleb Downs here, but I cannot argue with this. Especially considering that Mauigoa might be moving inside to play guard on an offensive line that already features young talent. Mauigoa is a terrific run blocker, the heart of Miami’s offense and as reliable as it gets. This has been a terrific draft for the Giants. Arvell Reese at No. 5 is outstanding value, and some in the NFL considered Mauigoa as this draft’s top offensive lineman. He could be an immediate guard, maybe a long-term tackle. Either way, he’ll be a factor in New York. Grade: A

Mike Sando’s assessment

The execs I polled at the combine had the Giants taking him with the fifth pick. That was before the Giants acquired the 10th pick from Cincinnati for Dexter Lawrence. The general feel was that the offensive line would be a logical position for the Giants to target early in John Harbaugh’s first season.

How he fits

The biggest question is whether the Giants view Mauigoa as a guard or want to keep him at tackle. As Brugler noted, his college tape says he can stay outside at right tackle, but his skill set would be used inside. The Giants need a right guard, and he could fill that spot nightly. But Mauigoa is ready to take on the role of protector for quarterback Jaxson Dart. When asked about his message for the quarterback, Mauigoa told ESPN, “I’m ready to die for you, man.” — Charlotte Carroll

Depth-chart impact

There is an immediate starting spot for Mauigoa, who could be slotted in at right guard. After re-signing right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, and while the Giants addressed the guard position in free agency, it wasn’t with players expected to take the reins long-term. Now, Mauigoa can join Eluemunor, center John Michael Schmitz, left guard Jon Runyan Jr. and left tackle Andrew Thomas to form the team’s offensive line should the Giants put him in at guard. — Carroll

They also could have picked …

Three of the top offensive playmakers were off the board by the time the Giants selected at No. 10. Top safety Downs, who had been consistently linked to the Giants, was still on the board. And it was another position that could’ve used bolstering with a top-10 player. Naturally, division rival Dallas traded up and took Downs with the No. 11 pick, so the Giants will have to see the safety twice a season. — Carroll

Fast evaluation

It’s intriguing the Giants passed on Downs but the offensive line needed a quality boost and the Giants confirmed that Mauigoa will start at guard. The team is also comfortable with Mauigoa’s back, which has been a medical concern for the player. For the Giants to get a top linebacker and then add a critical piece to the offensive line, it’s a win for the Giants’ draft on Day 1.