Francis Mauigoa has already given the Giants a good idea of the star he will become

The New York Giants needed a franchise player on the offensive line, and Francis Mauigoa is showing himself to be that guy.

Mauigoa, a five-star recruit-turned All-American for the Miami Hurricanes, was selected by the Giants with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft in hopes of solidifying their front and protecting quarterback Jaxson Dart. After winning the 2026 Outland Trophy playing offensive tackle for the Hurricanes, he kicked inside to left guard and has quickly won the respect of teammates and opponents alike.

READ MORE: Former Miami Hurricanes star Francis Mauigoa is already making noise with the Giants

Francis Mauigoa will be a stalwart on the Giants offensive line

Outside of quarterback, it feels safe to say that offensive line is the most important position in football, especially in the NFL. And it takes more than one guy to make a good offensive line. That's why the Giants needed another franchise guy to pair up with Andrew Thomas.

The idea of taking an NFL team taking an offensive lineman in the top 10 of the draft with plans to kick inside was foreign 10–20 years ago, but the days of needing a blind-side protector and a bunch of road graders around him are over. Offensive linemen have to be much more athletic across the board, and Mauigoa is a great example of that. He was a super athletic, strong tackle with great footwork that now brings that skill set to guard in the NFL.

And there's no guarantee he won't eventually move to the outside. It's happened many times before because NFL and college teams want to get their best five guys on the field. That's why current Hurricanes five-star freshman Jackson Cantwell is likely going to start his college career at guard, much like Mauigoa did at Miami when he was a young guy.

READ MORE: Jackson Cantwell is following the blueprint that brings nothing but upside for him and Miami

It all comes back full circle and the versatility and experience Mauigoa had playing both positions on the left side at Miami are paying off immediately for the Giants. 

"He's very heavy-handed, and he can move," Giants defensive tackle DJ Reader said about Mauigoa in a story published by Yahoo!. "It's good to be around some young, joyful energy. I'm getting up there in some years. He's a kid, I know he's going to make me bring it every day. He's going to make me better for it, and he's going to get better for it."

Anyone that's followed Mauigoa's career up to this point can't be surprised at how quickly the veteran Giants have taken to the rookie. He was one of the most mature players on the Hurricanes roster last season and was repeatedly singled out as a team leader. 

It's been a great NFL preseason for the trench warriors that came out of Miami. Mario Cristobal promised that the Hurricanes' identity would be that of a tough, physical team that plays with a purpose and now that has carried itself into the pros. 

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