"Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa is still expected to be the first offensive lineman selected" in the 2026 NFL Draft, despite concerns about a herniated disc in his back, per an update from Adam Shefter of ESPN posted on Monday.
Shefter reported Mauigoa returned to Indianapolis for a medical recheck two weeks before the 2026 NFL Draft, per Shefter on Monday. The back injury is not a significant issue now and is asymptomatic per Shefter. If the herniated disc worsens at all, Mauigoa could require surgery that could sideline him for three months, per Shefter.
Some teams think Mauigoa will eventually need surgery at some point. Shefter reported that one NFL executive told him if Mauigoa's herniated disc flares up in training camp and requires surgery, it might potentially end his rookie season.
No team is overly concerned about the long-term ramifications of the herniated disc, per Shefter, but it has been discussed in draft rooms across the NFL. Mauigoa was the starting right tackle in all 42 games that Miami played during his three seasons with the Hurricanes.
An interesting draft tidbit, via @AdamSchefter: Miami OL Francis Mauigoa has a herniated disc in his back that is considered asymptomatic.
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) April 20, 2026
Even with the injury, he’s expected to be the first OL off the board, but if the injury worsens, Mauigoa could miss upwards of three months. pic.twitter.com/zGIcRLVXZw
Mauigoa draft projections
Renowned ESPN NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. projects Mauigoa to be selected 10th in the 2026 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. The Giants acquired the 10th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft from the Cincinnati Bengals for star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence last week.
Kiper Jr. said Mauigoa is "a sound pass protector, and he'd open some rushing lanes" for the Giants. Kiper Jr.'s ESPN colleague Jeff Legwold ranks Mauigoa eighth in his top 100 prospects. Legwold noted Mauigoa "allowed a pressure rate of just 1.1% this past season in 525 pass-block plays."
Mauigoa projects as a longterm NFL starter. Kiper Jr. likes Mauigoa's ceiling on the inside of the offensive line. The consensus on Mauigoa is that he can play right tackle or guard in the NFL. Mauigoa has the ideal combination of athleticism, intelligence and power to be an All-Pro NFL OL.
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