Giants and Joe Schoen predicted to draft OL despite NFL free agency news
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New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen.
The New York Giants’ most important free agency move last week may have been the Jermaine Eluemunor extension news, but the latest NFL draft rumors targeted the offensive line despite that.
Eluemunor re-signed with the Giants on a three-year, $39 million contract, securing the right tackle position. To some, that might have ended any speculation of an offensive line selection at No. 5 overall, but Pro Football Sports Network analyst Alec Elijah disagrees.
During a new March 14 mock draft prediction with PFSN, Elijah has the Giants selecting Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa in round one. But his selection came with a bold twist.
Elijah believes Big Blue could draft Mauigoa to start at guard, rather than O-Tackle. And his theory actually makes some sense, considering the Giants whiffed on their top guard targets in free agency.
“The New York Giants could address a major need along the offensive line by selecting Francis Mauigoa,” the PFSN analyst wrote, after making the prediction.
“The former Miami Hurricanes football standout projects as a long-term starting tackle in the NFL, but he also has the versatility to slide inside if New York still needs help at guard early in his career,” Elijah noted. “Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing around 329 pounds, Mauigoa combines elite athleticism with the power needed to handle NFL pass rushers. For a Giants offensive line that has struggled with consistency, his size, movement skills, and physical style could make him a foundational piece as the team builds a more stable, reliable front.”
Draft Target Francis Mauigoa Would Give Giants Insurance on the Offensive Line
Giants' draft rumors involve Francis Mauigoa despite NFL free agency news
GettyIs Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa a realistic option for the New York Giants in round one of the NFL draft?
Most experts have the Giants targeting Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, or another position like cornerback. However, the unexpected Mauigoa prediction does practice what new head coach John Harbaugh preaches.
Harbaugh’s Giants are expected to lean on the offensive line and run the football. This has led to a lot of Love predictions, but the NYG running back duo of Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy is very formidable as it currently stands.
What if they bolstered the rushing attack in a different way? Instead, bulking up on blockers.
Mauigoa adds versatility and upside, two important traits on the offensive line. With him inside the building, Harbaugh would have a deep group of options to work with on his OL, in case of injury.
Andrew Thomas and Eluemunor would start at offensive tackle, with Jon Runyan, Mauigoa, and John Michael Schmitz on the interior. The Giants would also have Marcus Mbow for depth at multiple positions, not to mention a lesser veteran guard addition (still expected) and the option of moving Mauigoa to tackle if Thomas or Eluemunor gets injured.
Winning football starts in the trenches. If anybody knows that, it’s Harbaugh.
Latest Giants Free Agency News at Guard
After missing out on a top-tier guard target like Alijah Vera-Tucker and a top-tier center like Tyler Linderbaum, the initial thought was that the Giants would be in on the second tier of free agent interior offensive linemen.
However, on March 11, ESPN beat reporter Jordan Raanan relayed a change of heart.
“After speaking with sources Tuesday, it became clear Giants pivoted and were no longer willing to pay a mid-tier guard. Unless that changes, it eliminates the likelihood of signing a vet like Wyatt Teller, Joel Bitonio or Dylan Parham,” Raanan reported on X. “In the meantime, they wait out that market.”
Parham has since signed with the crosstown rival New York Jets, although Bitonio and Teller are still available, as is 2025 starting right guard Greg Van Roten.
Either way, the Giants’ free agency pivot at guard makes the Mauigoa theory more plausible.