The New York Giants haven’t seen a rookie offensive lineman like Francis "Sisi" Mauigoa in a very long time, and it’s refreshing for Big Blue fans, who may have initially doubted the team’s decision to draft him with the tenth overall pick a few weeks ago.
Big Blue taking Mauigoa 10th overall shouldn't come as a surprise. From the moment John Harbaugh took the head coach job, he made clear his priority was to strengthen the trenches, and he delivered on that commitment with his first two draft picks.
The only concern with the former Miami lineman is whether he will meet expectations and successfully transition from offensive tackle to guard. Early indications suggest he'll crush the challenge -- he's been nothing short of impressive since arriving in New York.
Giants fans should not worry about Francis Mauigoa moving to guard
Sisi started 42 consecutive games at Miami, primarily at tackle, and despite taking only 10 snaps at guard, he practiced at both guard and center to prepare for an interior role at the next level, which is expected to come in his first professional season.
The 6-foot-6, 330-pounder was asked about the move from tackle to guard, and he was confident in his abilities. He talked about conversations with his brother, Francisco, who plays for the Jets, and his former teammate at Miami, Jalen Rivers, who provided advice on what to expect after recently going through the same transition with the Bengals.
If Mauigoa didn’t already have enough support around him, he also has Harbaugh in his corner, who said, “It’s not hard to envision him having an instant impact in the run game,” after watching the former Miami lineman at practice. The Giants’ head coach added that “he looked like a natural at guard.”
So, if you’re not confident in the 20-year-old’s ability to play guard at a high level in his rookie season, then I don’t know what else would convince you that he is ready. You have to imagine that the G-Men would not have traded Dexter Lawrence and then used the pick they received on Sisi if they didn’t feel he had what it takes.
Mauigoa will likely see snaps at tackle next season. Given the likelihood of injuries along the offensive line, the Giants may need to adjust their depth and potentially play the rookie at different positions. However, he is expected to begin the season as the starting right guard alongside Jermaine Eluemunor, who also sees what the G-Men have in Mauigoa.
If this offensive line stays healthy and remains willing to "die for Jaxson Dart" like Mauigoa is, fans have to be excited about what Matt Nagy’s offense can achieve next year.
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