Entering the 2025 college football season, there were a number of team evaluators who felt that Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa could be a better fit at guard in the NFL. After being a top recruit out of high school, Mauigoa was solid but not dominant in the early years of his career with Miami. Multiple evaluators had concerns about him blocking on the edge in the NFL and thought he might need to move inside as a pro. However, in speaking to those same sources, they have liked his tape with how he has closed out the 2025 season. They feel Mauigao could be a mid-first-round pick and go in the top-20. They think some teams will also believe that he can be a starting right tackle.
“I think he goes top 20,” said an NFC general manager. “I would say he’s the best run blocking tackle in the draft.”
The 6-foot-6, 315-pound Mauigoa has good size and strength at the point of attack. During Miami’s run in the college football playoffs, Mauigoa has been a productive run blocker and has been reliable to protect quarterback Carson Beck.
“Think he goes in the 15-25 range,” said an AFC director of player personnel. “He’s looked better in the back half of the season.”
In my latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft, I have Mauigoa cracking the top 20, and a number of team sources feel that he will do that next April.
