Francis Mauigoa — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

Protecting Joe Burrow must continue to be the priority, so the Bengals can wait on addressing the pass rush. In the hypothetical world of this mock, Mauigoa bumps inside to guard and shores up Cincy's interior.

Mauigoa to the Cardinals is one of the most seamless fits in the first round. Arizona must shore up its offensive line and needs a long-term starter at right tackle opposite Paris Johnson Jr. The 6-foot-6, 315-pound Mauigoa was a three-year starter at Miami and allowed only two sacks in 16 games during the Hurricanes' run to the national title game last season. The Cardinals are desperate for that type of consistency, with 36-year-old Kelvin Beachum starting 11 games in 2025 and no long-term answer on the roster.

There are questions about quarterback Kyler Murray's future, but like with the Jets above, there are no solutions at QB in this part of the draft beyond Mendoza. So the Cardinals should sit tight and go OT.

Road grader/earth mover in the run game with enormous size and insane athleticism for that size. He plays with an edge and is better vs. the run than in pass protection right now but well above average in both departments. He could play right tackle or kick inside to guard.

I thought about giving the Cardinals linebacker Arvell Reese, a seek-and-destroy second-level defender. However, Arizona badly needs offensive line help. Mauigoa might not be a Penei Sewell- or a Tristan Wirfs-caliber prospect, but he's a two-contract starting offensive tackle who was rock-solid this season, garnering an 87.0 PFF pass-blocking grade and a 77.1 PFF run-blocking grade.

Mauigoa allowed only two sacks (and none from Week 4 on) and three QB hits all season, according to PFF. A consensus All-America left tackle for the College Football Playoff runner-up, Mauigoa could walk in and anchor the Cardinals' offensive line for a decade.

The Giants get back to their menacing ways under new coach John Harbaugh by fortifying the trenches with fresh talent. Mauigoa is a natural right tackle who specializes in bullying defenders at the point of attack with superior size and strength, and New York could have a hole at the position with Jermaine Eluemunor's impending free agency.

This offseason is about helping Cam Ward take the next step, and that starts with doing a better job of protecting him. Mauigoa has excellent size/strength and still has room to develop.