As part of their "2026 NFL draft: Top prospects at 100 different skills, traits" ESPN named Miami right tackle Francis Mauigoa as the best anchor. Mauigoa started all 42 games at RT for Miami during his collegiate career and was an anchor on the Hurricanes' offensive line.
Mauigoa will join an elite group of Miami OT alums selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. Despite a herniated disc, Mauigoa is still projected to be selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Mauigoa will play RT or could move inside to guard in the NFL.
The original ESPN NFL Draft guru, Mel Kiper Jr., projects Mauigoa to be selected 10th in 2026 by the New York Giants. Kiper Jr. projects Mauigoa to be the first offensive lineman selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mauigoa is projected to be the first Miami OL taken in the first round of the NFL Draft since Ereck Flowers in 2015.
Mauigoa was a virtual wall in his three seasons playing for Miami. Pro Football Focus gave Mauigoa an 83.6 overall grade, 14th nationally among OTs, an 87.0 pass blocking grade, seventh at the position and a 79.4 run blocking grade, which was 23rd.
"Best anchor: Francis Mauigoa, MiamiMatt Bowen, ESPN
Mauigoa has the frame (6-foot-5, 329 pounds) and play strength to drop the anchor on the edges, taking on power rushers. He allowed a pressure rate of just 1.1% in 2025, which tied for second lowest among FBS tackles."
Mauigoa's eye popping college stats
Per PFF, Bain allowed 10 total pressures in pass protection in 2025, including two sacks and three quarterback hits to opposing pass rushers. Mauigoa was called for only seven penalties in 2025, according to PFF. Bain's immediate and consistent production for Miami should continue instantly in the NFL.
Three-time All-Pro OL and multiple Super Bowl winner Randy Cross said Mauigoa is the best and most NFL-ready OT in the 2026 Draft. Cross summarized the complete game Mauigoa has with the most upside of any 2026 OL prospect.
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