Francis Mauigoa Says 'I'll Die' for Jaxson Dart, Reacts to Blocking for Cam Skattebo on Giants

The New York Giants are building out their offensive line ahead of Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo's second NFL season.

The Giants selected Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa with the No. 10 pick on Thursday night in Pittsburgh.

Fans expressed excitement about Mauigoa and the offensive line Harbaugh is putting together around Dart.

The Giants started out the draft by selecting Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese at No. 5. The franchise is back on the clock Friday with the No. 37 pick in Round 2.

Mauigoa was ranked as the No. 16 overall prospect, as well as the No. 2 interior offensive lineman behind Penn State's Olaivavega Ioane, on Bleacher Report's final big board.

He ultimately came off the board ahead of Ioane despiteESPN's Adam Schefter reporting Monday that Mauigoa has a herniated disc in his back that some teams feel will necessitate surgery this offseason.

"The back injury is not a significant issue now, and it is asymptomatic, but teams say that if it worsens at all, Mauigoa would then need surgery that could sideline him roughly three months," Schefter reported.

Schefter added, "One front office executive said last week that if the injury flares up in training camp and requires surgery, it might potentially end Mauigoa's rookie season."

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported the Giants "were supremely confident in the info they got on Francis Mauigoa's back" from Miami heading into the draft.

The Giants decided to add Mauigoa after watching him record 29 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks across his last two seasons with Miami.

B/R NFL scout Brandon Thorn described Mauigoa as "a densely built blocker with very good play strength, point-of-attack power and a commanding anchor that can generate displacement in the run game and halt the bull rush."

Thorn projected Mauigoa as "a solid-to-good starting right tackle with an even higher ceiling if eventually moved inside to guard."

Harbaugh referred to the Giants' offensive line as a "work in progress" ahead of the 2026 NFL draft, per Giants.com's Dan Salomone.

The Giants have already re-signed right tackle Jermaine Eluemuno and could potentially use Mauigoa at right guard after former starter Greg Van Roten hit free agency this offseason.

Harbaugh will now hope to have Mauigoa available this offseason as he prepares to potentially work as a first-year starter next fall.