As March continues and all 32 NFL franchises look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears will have four picks in the top 100, including two in the second round, providing the front office with plenty of opportunities to add long-term building blocks as the team continues year two of the Ben Johnson-Ryan Poles era.
While Chicago invested in left tackle last offseason, drafting Ozzy Trapilo, he's expected to miss most of the 2026 season. The Bears did retain veteran Braxton Jones in free agency, and signed former first-round pick Jedrick Wills to a one-year deal, adding both to a group that already includes undrafted free agent Theo Benedet. Left tackle may not be the biggest need for Chicago but adding a long-term option may not be a bad idea, especially since the front office can't hinge on Trapilo returning to pre-injury form.
One name that could make sense in the first round, if he falls to No. 25 overall is Miami Hurricanes left tackle Francis Mauigoa.
Let's get into our scouting report on Mauigoa.
Francis Mauigoa, Miami Hurricanes, (6-foot-5, 329 pounds)
From his NFL.com draft profile via Lance Zierlein:
"Highly touted prospect who met expectations as a durable three-year starter at right tackle. Mauigoa has a guard's broad build, but he moves like a tackle in pass sets. He's highly experienced with an impressive football IQ that pops on tape. He has good contact balance and a strong core. He delivers firm first contact but excessive leaning diminishes not only his leverage and sustain as a run blocker but also his ability to deal with spin counters when protecting. He's good at trapping rushers at the turn and can smother their momentum. He has the footwork, anchor and punch timing to diversify his pass-set approach. He works with an innate feel for pocket depth and is rarely out-paced to the top by speed. Mauigoa has a high ceiling but the leaning must be eradicated. He'll be an early starter at right tackle but a move to guard could be on the table in the future."
Film:
Strengths:
- Strong anchor that forces defensive linemen to work twice as hard when it comes to rushing the pocket.
- Movement skills see his game elevate to another level when he gets out in space.
- Physical and willing run blocker who's nasty demeanor shows up on tape with every rep.
- Has the foot speed and quickness to climb to the second level and take on linebackers and safeties.
- Plays with a high level of body control.
- Experience as a starter is a major plus for a team that's looking to find an instant impact left tackle.
Weaknesses:
- Has to improve his ability to find and take the right angles when blocking on run plays.
- Lack of ability to mirror faster edge rushers and stop them in their tracks shows up on tape.
- Good but not great hand placement. Sometimes his hands are too far outside, exposing his chest.
- Fails to maintain leverage due to high pad level.
- Still learning how defensive lines utilize stunts and how to read them.
Does Mauigoa fit the Bears offense?
The short answer is yes. If the Bears were to draft Mauigoa, then he'd be an instant upgrade over any of the left tackles that are currently on the roster. Chicago will covet his length, strength, and ability to climb to the second level while playing with a mean streak as a starter at left tackle. However, to many, he's the consensus top-rated tackle prospect in this draft class so unless he falls to No. 25 overall, the Bears would have to trade up to acquire him.
Conclusion:
Mauigoa will be a really good starter for a long time at the next level. It's likely he develops into one of the top left tackles in the league, becoming a true cornerstone player for a team on offense.
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