Right Tackle Francis Mauigoa Shows he has What it Takes

University of Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa is a very challenging evaluation.

Why’s that?

For one ⎯

Is he a guard or is he a right tackle in the NFL?

“He’ll be an early starter at right tackle but a move to guard could be on the table in the future.” – Lance Zierlein (NFL.com)

And for two ⎯

What about the inconsistencies on his game film?

Of course, there are inconsistencies to one degree or another with all of them, and Mauigoa is no exception. This is why there are seven rounds in the NFL Draft (and undrafted free agents).

*Understanding the level of inconsistencies is part of the art of projecting talent.

What’s the answer to the two questions?

Mauigoa projects to a starting right tackle in the NFL (with the ability to also start at guard).

Why is there a question surrounding what position he projects to in the first place?

His footwork in pass protection.

What’s the problem with his footwork at right tackle?

Mauigoa shows a lightning-fast first step, kicking out and setting up on the perimeter of the pocket in pass protection, but his lateral footwork from there is average. However, his thick frame and punchy, heavy hands tend to get it done.

Here’s the reality of the situation ⎯

He does show a slight tendency to rely more on his awesome brute raw strength than on his technique in pass protection. There are times when he will stop sliding his feet and lean into pass rushers instead, which causes him to lose leverage. However, his extreme competitiveness usually makes up the difference.

Is it possibly a conditioning issue, too?

Possibly.

Does he get tired at times?

Maybe.

Is he a little too passive-aggressive?

If I were on a game show, that would be my best guess.

Why would I say that? Because there are moments when he shows an electric twitchiness and a flashfire aggression level that made me sit up in my chair. Elite stuff.

As for the inconsistency sustaining his run blocks?

Sometimes Mauigoa releases too early, and he’s “hit and miss” downfield past the line of scrimmage. However, when he connects, the defender’s family tree can feel it.

Anything else stand out?

Yes ⎯

Mauigoa is excellent at combo run blocks.

He routinely made two blocks on the same running play.

Putting the puzzle together

It was extremely tedious to extract Mauigoa’s tendencies, traits, and tendencies from his 1,034 offensive snaps (Pro Football Focus) this past season. There were a lot of moving pieces.

🧩

However, after doing the work, it’s clear to me that he looked better on his 2025 game film than his third-round graded 2024 game film.

What stood out the most?

• Seemed more dominant
• Appeared to be more in control of his blocks
• Looked like he had a better functional understanding of leverage and how to use it to his advantage

Pro Football Focus confirmed:

2024 Blocking Grades

Pass: 72.2

Run: 68.1

2025 Blocking Grades

Pass: 87.0 📈

Run: 77.1 📈

#61 Francis Mauigoa 6-foot-5 1/2, 329 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Final 2026 NFL Draft Grade: First-Round (I would select him)

Projected by NFL Mock Draft Database to be a First Round prospect as of March 25, 2026

Right Tackle Francis Mauigoa is a Competitive Try Hard (2024: 13 games evaluated)

2025 game film evaluated: Notre Dame, Bethune-Cookman, USF, Florida, FSU, Louisville, Stanford, SMU, Syracuse, NC State, Virginia Tech, PITT, Texas A&M, Ohio State, Ole Miss, and Indiana (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

Brother Kiko plays for the Jets

Pro Football Focus: Seven penalties in 2025

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Athletic bully. Long arms. A little top-heavy. Dense muscle. Strong bubble. Less defined lower legs. Powerful. Knocks people around. Violent. High-level protective instincts. Stays in his lane. Not always pretty, but often effective. Good pre-snap pass-pro posture. Active hands. Good placement. Inconsistent with blitzes and stunts. Susceptible to getting beaten back inside. Punishing positional run blocker. Can drive block. Good pulling. No problem getting downfield.

Final words

Mauigoa sets the tone.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, and has written for Sports Illustrated (Lions, Jets, and 49ers), NFL Draft Diamonds, and Yardbarker, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. Featured in USA Today. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. Follow on Twitter @firstroundmock.