When the New York Giants made offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa the 10th pick in the 2026 NFL draft, they acquired a big-bodied road-grader perfect for a physical ground game, a blocker who already has a message for second-year running back Cam Skattebo.
When asked about power-style runner Skattebo shortly after being selected on Thursday, April 23, Mauigoa told reporters, “Oh, I’m going to have a lot of fun with that guy,” per Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic.
Mauigoa, one of two picks during an A-plus first-round for the Giants, also made a bold statement about the idea he will switch positions in the pros. Something Big Blue is already planning for fellow first-rounder, versatile linebacker Arvell Reese.
The Giants also clarified their thoughts on a potential “red flag” concerning Mauigoa’s injury status.
Francis Mauigoa, Cam Skattebo the Perfect Match
Mauigoa’s aggressive blocking and Skattebo’s straight-ahead, power-style running are the perfect match. At least they will be when 2025 fourth-round pick Skattebo is fully recovered from the ankle injury that cut his rookie season short.
Fortunately, Skattebo is making good progress. He’s even ahead of star wide receiver Malik Nabers, who is rehabbing after tearing his ACL last September.
Skattebo’s return will be key to the smash-mouth brand of offense new head coach John Harbaugh is likely to implement. It’s how Harbaugh preferred his teams to move the ball during 18 years with the Baltimore Ravens, and using a first-round pick to take Mauigoa will only continue the trend.
Particularly if the former Hurricanes standout does, as expected, move to a different spot up front.
Giants Ready to Change First-Rounder’s Position
It makes sense for Mauigoa to slide inside to guard. Especially when All-Pro Andrew Thomas and reliable veteran Jermaine Eluemunor are established as bookend tackles.
For his part, Mauigoa is open to making a change. The 20-year-old put it bluntly, “It don’t matter man. I’m a resource. Whatever they need me at, I’ll do it,” per Carroll.
Says he’s super excited
There’s room for Mauigoa at either guard spot, but only if he’s at 100 percent. Some concerns were noted by Carroll’s colleague Dan Duggan before the draft, when he wrote, “It’s notable that the Giants aren’t believed to have hosted Mauigoa for a pre-draft visit, which would have been an important step considering he has a herniated disc in his back that could be a red flag.”
Duggan amended this by revealing during the first round that “Francis Mauigoa did a pre-draft visit with the Giants. That hadn’t been reported.”
Perhaps more importantly, Duggan also noted Giants general manager “Joe Schoen said they’re comfortable with Mauigoa’s back. He noted that new head athletic trainer Adam Bennett was in the same role at Miami throughout Mauigoa’s career.”
Joe Schoen said they’re comfortable with Mauigoa’s back. He noted that new head athletic trainer Adam Bennett was in the same role at Miami
Inserting a fully healthy Mauigoa into the interior of their O-line will give the Giants the brute force they need to power a run-heavy attack. That scheme is suited to longtime Harbaugh ally, experienced run-game coordinator Greg Roman.
He’s likely to design many plays to get Mauigoa to pull into space and act as a convoy for Skattebo. It’s a partnership sure to make the Giants more physical and efficient on offense.
Francis Mauigoa Has a Message for Giants RB Cam Skattebo