It was the executives’ turn to weigh in on how the first 10 picks of the 2026 NFL draft should go on Tuesday.
League executives got a chance to see the top prospects in this year’s draft class perform at the 2026 NFL Combine. The New York Giants were among the 32 teams around the league that assessed talent through formal meetings as well as on-field drills.
The Giants own the No. 5 overall pick in the first round of the draft. With that selection, Giants general manager Joe Schoen has several position groups to consider at the top, including edge rushers, wide receivers, and offensive linemen.
Mike Sando of The Athletic notes that three of the four league executives asked to provide insights on how the first 10 selections should go projected Miami right tackle Francis Mauigoa to the Giants as a potential solution for the offensive line at several positions.
Three of four execs had the Giants taking Mauigoa to bolster an offensive line that needs help in multiple spots, including right tackle.
It would be a very logical way to go in John Harbaugh’s first draft with the team.
The one exec projecting a receiver to the Giants cast a dissenting vote.
“They need weapons for the quarterback,” said the exec, who opted for USC receiver Makai Lemon. “The other guy (Nabers) is hurt. They are probably going to lose the Kentucky slot (Wan’Dale Robinson) in free agency.”
An exec who questioned New England’s selection of left tackle Will Campbell at No. 4 last year thought the offensive tackles atop this draft were safer picks.
“The New England guy was limited physically,” this exec said. “These guys (Mauigoa and Spencer Fano) are not.”
Mauigoa allowed only two sacks and three hits in 2025. The 20-year-old has expressed openness to playing wherever an NFL coaching staff needs him on the offensive line upon entering the league.
The Giants’ offensive line has improved since the 2023 season, when they allowed the second-most sacks in a single season in NFL history with 85. However, Mauigoa’s athletic gifts at 329 pounds make him an NFL-ready prospect who could bolster New York’s O-line in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: NFL executives believe New York Giants will draft OL Francis Mauigoa
Reporting by Matt Legros, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
