The New York Giants continued building their offensive line in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, selecting Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa with the No. 10 overall pick.A nearly 6-foot-6, 329-pound three-year starter, Mauigoa earned consensus All-American honors and the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the ACC’s top offensive lineman in 2025. He had been frequently linked to New York in the lead-up to the draft, making this selection far less surprising than their earlier pick of linebacker Arvell Reese.Widely regarded as one of the draft’s top offensive linemen, Mauigoa brings size, power, and versatility—expected to start inside initially before potentially sliding out to tackle long-term.
The move further strengthens protection for quarterback Jaxson Dart and bolsters an improving offensive front.The pick has drawn reactions across the NFL landscape. Here’s what fans, analysts, and insiders are saying:Well-placed Giants source on Francis Mauigoa: "Road grader. Can play inside or right OT."— Ian O'Connor (@Ian_OConnor) April 24, 2026Both @Giants draft picks are 20 years old.
Incredible when most kids leaving college in the NIL world are much older.— Lawrence Tynes (@lt4kicks) April 24, 2026The @GiantsWell done— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) April 24, 2026TRENCHES— el Jefé (@JefePil) April 24, 2026Giants go offense tackle Miami OL Francis Mauigoa with the 10th pick. He's been projected at guard and that's a wide open position battle at RGHis brother Francisco currently plays for the Jets at LB. So the Mauigoa family will be deep at MetLife, I reckon.— Evan Barnes (@evan_b) April 24, 2026Francis Mauigoa to the G-Men.
Ass kicker. Embodies what Harbaugh is trying to bring: bigger and tougher. As @PhilSimmsQB said, “you could show a double feature on his ass” 😂— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) April 24, 2026The @Giants get their big man up front in Francis Mauigoa💪 pic.twitter.com/jRMRAAmREz— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) April 24, 202610) NEW YORK GIANTS: Francis Mauigoa - OG/Miami Will be the starting RG week one and potentially a long term solution at RT once Eluemunor is done.
This was the most sensible pick for for a team that HAD to support Jaxson Dart as he heads in to year two. A mauler with quick…— David Syvertsen (@Ourlads_Sy) April 24, 2026The #Giants worked closely with the Hurricanes’ athletic training and medical staffs leading up to the Draft. They were supremely confident in the info they got on Francis Mauigoa’s back. pic.twitter.com/eoJQKnXrt4— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 24, 2026Giants got Francis Mauigoa!!!!!— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) April 24, 2026The #Giants offensive lineAndrew Thomas - Jon Runyan - John Michael Schmitz - Francis Mauigoa - Jermaine Eluemunor.
They wanted a defender & help for Jaxson Dart. A receiver would have worked, but with Carnell Tate (Titans) and Jordyn Tyson (Saints) gone, they do the next…— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) April 24, 2026At least the pass rushing drills at rookie minicamp should be fun to watch.— Tom Rock (@TomRock_Newsday) April 24, 2026Giants OL Francis Mauigoa highlights pic.twitter.com/izjzu2lC1U— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) April 24, 2026I am floored that #Giants passed on Caleb Downs twice and he is going to walk into #Cowboys, I'd expect.— Ryan Dunleavy (@rydunleavy) April 24, 2026The Giants take OT Francis Mauigoa at No. 10.Many scouts believe his best spot in the NFL will be at guard.The Giants have a starting spot open at right guard.— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) April 24, 2026The #Giants get Mauigoa at 10, here's what @FBallGameplan had to say: https://t.co/OGV4n9wZmf— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) April 24, 2026The #Giants take two big time talents — first in Buckeyes’ pass-rusher Arvell Reese and then a major protector for Jaxson Dart, in Francis Mauigoa. https://t.co/tZsEUc707T— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 24, 2026Giants go O-Line.
Not scared away by the Mauigoa medicals. Would have been shocked if Harbaugh had come away from tonight's first round without a lineman https://t.co/Jz2EgGdKDp— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) April 24, 2026NFL scout on Francis Mauigoa: "Best offensive tackle in the draft."But will #Giants play him at right guard?— Ryan Dunleavy (@rydunleavy) April 24, 2026There are some concerns with Mauigoa's back. One head coach, who evaluated him extensively, said they were "pretty sure" it was fine, but they couldn't say for certain if it would be a long-term issue. Mauigoa as considered the best OL prospect in this draft before the injury… https://t.co/nfUYyK8nFj— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) April 24, 2026This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants select Francis Mauigoa: How did fans, analysts react?