With the 10th overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York Giants select -- drumroll please -- Francis "Sisi" Mauigoa!
After taking Arvell Reese with the fifth pick, the Giants take care of their most glaring remaining need: protecting franchise quarterback hopeful Jaxson Dart with the former Miami offensive tackle. And what better way to help remove the "hopeful" label than giving him the best offensive lineman of the class?
Sisi is a road-paving unit, perfect for what the Giants are looking to be under John Harbaugh. I'm talking good old-fashioned Hog Molly pigskin. Not only does he offer great pass protection -- eight sacks over 2,800 snaps for the Hurricanes -- but he also gives Harby the ideal "who needs to get put through the ground in the run game."
Plus, Harbaugh's been on record saying the offensive line is a work in progress. It’s safe to say that’s no longer the case with a new road paver in town.
Giants shore up offensive line with Miami OT Francis Mauigoa at No. 10
This pick wouldn't have been possible without the Dexter Lawrence blockbuster trade with the Cincinnati Bengals. So a big thank you to the Stripes for gift-wrapping the perfect offensive lineman for Big Blue.
Sisi joins a massive but uninspiring group of interior offensive linemen led by... Jon Runyan. Although there are thousands of pounds of beef on the roster, the cast of characters leaves a lot to be desired.
Earlier this offseason, the Giants signed free agents Lucas Patrick and Daniel Faalele to one-year deals, and re-signed Evan Neal, Jermaine Eluemunor, Aaron Stinnie, and Joshua Ezeudu. Not one of these players figures to be the answer at either of the guard spots. That's where Mauigoa comes into play.
New offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren has to be smiling from ear to ear. His life just got a helluva lot easier with the former Miami standout joining his group. The three-year starter brings great size to the position at 6-foot-6, 330 pounds. While he was a three-year starter on the left side, he's likely expected to move inside for now and compete for the open right guard spot. They can push him back outside when and if they need to.
The pick fits the mold for what Harbaugh wants this team to look like in 2026: tough. However, it was recently reported that Mauigoa has an asymptomatic herniated disc in his back that won't require surgery, but is still something to keep an eye out for.
Offensive linemen aren't always the sexiest picks, but upgrading Dart's security detail with the best player at his position feels like the right move by Joe Schoen and Harbaugh.