x
NFL Draft 2026: New York Giants could take big swing for Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

For the better part of the past decade-plus, the New York Giants have been trying to build a competent offensive line, in front of Eli Manning, Daniel Jones, and now Jaxson Dart. Those efforts could continue during the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

While the Giants brought back veteran offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor as free agency began, new head coach John Harbaugh could be about to take a big swing towards solidifying one of the league’s most maligned units into the future. 

NFL Draft 2026: Could the Giants pick Francis Mauigoa?

New York is in prime position to add a blue chip caliber building block player, and whether it’s along the offensive line or building out a physical defense, Harbaugh, general manager Joe Schoen and the Giants have the chance to add a long-term contributor to a rebuilding roster.

Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa is one of the most highly-touted prospects at the position, and Pro Football Network’s Alec Elijah argues that selecting him and improving the offensive line should be a top priority. 

“The New York Giants could address a major need along the offensive line by selecting Francis Mauigoa,” the PFSN analyst wrote, after making the Round 1 prediction.

“The former Miami Hurricanes football standout projects as a long-term starting tackle in the NFL, but he also has the versatility to slide inside if New York still needs help at guard early in his career,” Elijah noted. “Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing around 329 pounds, Mauigoa combines elite athleticism with the power needed to handle NFL pass rushers. For a Giants offensive line that has struggled with consistency, his size, movement skills, and physical style could make him a foundational piece as the team builds a more stable, reliable front.”

Starting Mauigoa at guard and eventually kicking him out to tackle is the kind of move that a franchise intent on starting the best five players possible along the offensive line would make during the NFL Draft.

If New York is adopting a long-term vision for what they hope the No. 6 overall pick becomes, taking Mauigoa could be a major upgrade to help Dart and running back Cam Skattebo both in 2026 and far beyond.


Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) blocks Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!