The New York Giants made some significant moves this offseason, and one of those was trading Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. With that pick, the Giants selected offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa out of Miami.
The Giants needed to add depth along the offensive line, as well as talent, to protect Jaxson Dart. He was sacked 35 times in 14 games in 2025, an average of 2.5 sacks per game. Not ideal with a young quarterback with his potential.
Mauigoa certainly fills that need, and former Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey agrees, predicting that Mauigoa will be an All-Pro his rookie season if the Giants move him to guard, which the team intends to do.
“He is an impact player, right out the gate,” Shockey said when asked what the Giants are getting with Sisi. “There’s not going to be a play where he’s not going to be playing this year. He’s an amazing talent. He came in at the University of Miami as a freshman and made a statement. As tough as they come. As gifted as they come. I’m super, super excited for this pick.
“Obviously, I’m a Miami guy, but the Giants should be thrilled. This guy is the real deal. He was a top-five on my board; he’s an amazing talent. If they move him to guard, he’ll be an All-Pro guard his first year. He’s that good. And if they need him at tackle, he played that all of college, so great pick. I’m very excited for him.”
Mauigoa was highly touted as the top offensive lineman in the 2026 draft class. Many thought the Kansas City Chiefs would trade with the Cleveland Browns to draft him. That trade did happen, but the Chiefs selected Mansoor Delane instead. The Giants were excited that Mauigoa was still there when they picked at No. 10 after selecting Arvell Reese at No. 5.
Even with Shockey’s slight bias toward Miami, he’s not wrong in what Mauigoa brings to the table. It’s safe to say that it’s unlikely Dart finds himself on the ground in 2026 as much as he did in 2025.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants great Jeremy Shockey: Francis Mauigoa will be a Year 1 All-Pro
Reporting by Serena Burks, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
