The New York Giants enter the 2026 NFL draft with a glaring need at right guard.
After missing out on top free-agent options, the team has yet to bolster the position, leaving unrestricted free agent Greg Van Roten as an underwhelming potential placeholder despite his recent contributions.
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Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa stands out as a strong candidate to address that void. The 6-foot-5, 328-pound junior emerged as a reliable three-year starter at right tackle for the Hurricanes. He brings a powerful, dense frame ideal for dominating in the run game, paired with solid balance, bend, and positioning in pass protection.
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Dallas Cowboys (home, away)
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New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys: Best photos from Week 18
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New York Giants’ 2026 opponents
Washington Commanders (home, away)
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New York Giants’ 2026 opponents
Philadelphia Eagles (home, away)
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New York Giants’ 2026 opponents
Jacksonville Jaguars (home)
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New York Giants’ 2026 opponents
New Orleans Saints (home)
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New York Giants’ 2026 opponents
San Francisco 49ers (home)
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New York Giants’ 2026 opponents
Indianapolis Colts (road)
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An NFL scout offered a clear assessment, suggesting Mauigoa move to guard at the NFL level.
“He’s either a right tackle or a guard. Big power player. I see him more as a guard. He definitely can be a starting tackle, but he’s a Pro Bowl guard. He just doesn’t have quite the agility outside on the NFL level. I’d take him over (Penn State’s Vega) Ioane as a guard,” the scout told Go Long TD.
“I liked Will Campbell, but I’d have to say this guy’s better than Will Campbell,” another scout said. “He’s not that (Hall of Famer Willie Roaf), but he’ll be an All-Pro type. He looks like a guard, but he moves like a tackle. He’s got feel, balance, and he can bend. He positions guys really well. He’s an instant starter.”
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Olaivavega Ioane is widely considered the top available guard by NFL draft analysts, but some of the scouts disagree.
“He’s a mauler in the run game, but he’s a limited athlete,” a scout told Go Long TD. “When he gets out and pulls, he’s heavy-legged. I don’t see it. I think he’s overrated. What does he do best? Well, he’s powerful. He’s a pretty good run blocker, but he’s not a great pass protector. He is against power, but he lacks quickness. He lumbers in space a little bit. Now, if he’s running in a straight line and in (space), he’s gonna maul you. I just think he lacks top athletic ability.”
The Giants, under head coach John Harbaugh, are going to be a run-heavy team and need that mauler. However, they must also protect quarterback Jaxson Dart, which may give Mauigoa if the Giants opt for an offensive lineman in Round 1.
Mauigoa’s football intelligence and physical tools position him as an instant contributor who could transition inside effectively. Projected as high as the No. 5 overall pick, he offers the size, strength, and consistency the Giants require to upgrade their interior line and inject much-needed physicality.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Francis Mauigoa could be Giants’ solution at RG