The New York Giants needed to crush the draft, and boy, did they... With two first-round picks, John Harbaugh talked sense into Joe Schoen's ears by clamoring for Arvell Reese and Francis Mauigoa to be their picks at No. 5 and No. 10, respectively. Miami fans know all about the prowess of Mauigoa in the trenches. Giants fans are beginning to learn about him, and are loving everything they discover.
Matt Sidney of GMenHQ could not have been happier to see Mauigoa be a part of this new-look team.
"Francis Mauigoa is a certified "road paver" and a total game-changer for this offensive line. At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, the former Hurricane brings a mauler’s mentality that the Giants have desperately lacked. He’s a "freak athlete" with elite burst who is going to slide right in and start imposing his will from Day 1. This isn't just a depth move -- it’s about drafting a tone-setter up front to protect Jaxson Dart and revamp the culture up front."
Mauigoa comes to New York as more than just a big body. He is a total road-grader. Very rarely do we come across an offensive line prospect quite like this. In recent years, Penei Sewell and Quenton Nelson garnered similar praise. Mauigoa may initially play inside at guard, but when push comes to shove, he will be tasked with keeping Jaxson Dart upright as one of the Giants' book-end tackles.
It has been a painfully long time since the Giants drafted this well, and they should be celebrating it.
Francis Mauigoa is exactly what the New York Giants need in the trenches
One of the things that stood out about Mauigoa during his time in Coral Gables was that he is, at his core, a winning player. There are many magnificent offensive line specimens to be had in the wonderful world of draft lore, but do they make winning plays? Mauigoa has long been the type of player who breeds confidence into his starting quarterback, while opening up holes for his tailbacks.
For a team that has not necessarily been high functional for the better part of a quarter century, the Giants needed a player like Mauigoa coming in. He and Reese played at winning programs who can make a world of difference for them in critical spots on opposite sides of the line of scrimmage. In a way, this draft by the Giants felt especially Baltimore. It is no surprise with Harbaugh in the war room.
In the end, Mauigoa could end up being one of those picks where everything got better for the Giants after he became a part of this team. New York has talent, but it is still arguably the worst team in its own division, along with Washington. What is important to know is the Giants are trying to build this thing up the right way. If Mauigoa has success in the NFL, that will long even better back on Miami.
If there are four players who went in the first round on Thursday who will not bust, he is one of them.
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