Big Draft Surprise Could Still Be Coming For New York Giants After $39 Million Move
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The New York Giants recently secured an important player on their offensive line. The team re-signed Jermaine Eluemunor to a three-year, $39 million contract to keep him at right tackle.
After that move, many people believed the Giants would not draft an offensive lineman early in the draft. The team holds the No. 5 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, and most predictions say they will choose a skill player or a defensive player.
However, one analyst thinks the team might do something different.
Alec Elijah from Pro Football Sports Network made a surprising prediction in his March 14 mock draft. He believes the Giants could select Francis Mauigoa, an offensive tackle from Miami Hurricanes football, in the first round. Elijah also thinks the team might start Mauigoa at guard early in his career.
Elijah then explained why the move could make sense for the Giants.
“The New York Giants could address a major need along the offensive line by selecting Francis Mauigoa,” Elijah wrote.
He also pointed to the rookie’s versatility.
“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.
Offensive Line Depth Could Drive Giants Draft Decision
Many draft predictions link the Giants to other prospects. Analysts often mention players such as Sonny Styles, Jeremiyah Love, Carnell Tate, and Caleb Downs.
Still, the idea of drafting Francis Mauigoa could fit the plans of new head coach John Harbaugh. He likes strong offensive line play and a powerful running game.
The Giants already have a solid running back duo with Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr. The team could improve their running attack by adding stronger blocking on the offensive line.
If the Giants draft Mauigoa, the line could change quickly. Andrew Thomas and Eluemunor would likely play tackle. Jon Runyan Jr., Mauigoa, and John Michael Schmitz could handle the inside positions.
The team would also keep depth with Marcus Mbow able to play multiple spots.
Free agency also makes this idea more possible. The Giants could not sign top interior linemen like Alijah Vera-Tucker and Tyler Linderbaum.
Recently, Jordan Raanan from ESPN shared another update about the team’s plans.
“After speaking with sources Tuesday, it became clear Giants pivoted and were no longer willing to pay a mid-tier guard,” Raanan wrote on X. “Unless that changes, it eliminates the likelihood of signing a vet like Wyatt Teller, Joel Bitonio or Dylan Parham. In the meantime, they wait out that market.”
Dylan Parham has already signed with the New York Jets. Veterans Wyatt Teller, Joel Bitonio, and Greg Van Roten still remain available.
That situation leaves the Giants with a clear option. They can fill the guard need in the draft. And Mauigoa might turn into the surprise pick that reshapes the entire offensive line.
