Historically, talking about a first-round offensive lineman before training camp either means that things are about to go really well or that there are already significant concerns about what lies ahead.
Thankfully for the New York Giants, rookie guard Francis Mauigoa appears to fall into the former category. Not only did the pick receive immediate positive feedback on draft night, but those inside and outside the Giants’ building have praised the No. 10 pick for several months now.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen joined that crowd on Tuesday, ranking Mauigoa among the league’s top 50 offseason moves. The All-American lineman placed No. 46, joining fellow rookie Arvell Reese (No. 23) and veteran tight end Isaiah Likely (No. 28).
“He brings the play demeanor to fit a John Harbaugh football team, with the ability to drive block and climb in the run game,” Bowen wrote of Mauigoa. “In pass protection, Mauigoa has the footwork and strength to win interior battles.”
That is exactly what every Giants fan should want to hear, especially on the eve of training camp.
Francis Mauigoa has earned continued praise throughout the Giants’ offseason
Ironically, it’s become easy to forget about Mauigoa and Reese because of the Giants’ other storylines. Much of the attention has instead been on the Odell Beckham Jr. reunion, the Abdul Carter-Jaxson Dart situation, and Malik Nabers’ ongoing setbacks while recovering from last year’s knee injury.
Giants offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren previously said he was excited to coach Mauigoa, who he feels is “head and shoulders above” and had already proved capable of responding well after a bad rep. Longtime Giants center Shaun O’Hara, himself a three-time Pro Bowler, raved about the 6-foot-6, 335-pound Mauigoa’s blend of size and athleticism.
Not even Mauigoa moving from tackle to guard, a position he only played during practice in college, has erased the early optimism. Objectively, it’s been fascinating to see just how many people genuinely love the pick despite all of the reasons for skepticism or doubt.
It remains unclear how much Mauigoa will play during the preseason. Getting more in-game reps at guard could go a long way in his development, though there is also the inherent risk of losing your starter to injury in a meaningless exhibition game.
But John Harbaugh has been around long enough for Giants fans to trust his judgment as it applies to Mauigoa and Reese’s preseason action. For their sake, let’s hope the positive vibes continue into September, because the Giants certainly need them.
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