As the New York Giants’ longest-tenured player, left tackle Andrew Thomas has seen enough offensive linemen come and go.
Ideally, it’ll be a long time before he and Francis Mauigoa are on opposing sidelines. Thomas appeared pleased with Mauigoa, the No. 10 pick in April’s draft, ahead of organized team activities.
Mauigoa, an All-American right tackle at Miami, will move inside to right guard. The Giants extended right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor earlier this offseason.
However, Thomas didn’t rave about Mauigoa the way that some fans may have hoped.
“Continuity is a huge thing for us up front,” Thomas said. “But obviously it doesn’t matter what’s on paper. You have to execute on the field, so that’s what we’re working for. ... Had a lot of reps together and we’re going to continue to build on that."
Barring injury, Mauigoa will be the Giants’ only new offensive line starter. Left guard Jon Runyan Jr. and center John Michael Schmitz join Thomas and Eluemunor as returning starters.
Giants fans shouldn’t read too much into Thomas’ lack of praise for Mauigoa
Offseason workouts are a time when coaches and veterans are tempted — or obligated — to shower rookies with extensive compliments.
We saw as much earlier this month, when All-Pro edge rusher Brian Burns said he was impressed by No. 5 pick Arvell Reese’s size and mindset.
Just because Thomas didn’t call Mauigoa a future superstar, though, isn’t cause for concern.
Thomas has experienced one winning season in six years with the Giants, who are a combined 13-38 since the start of 2023. Despite rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart’s emergence, the Giants ranked 31st in points and 30th in yards last season.
It’d be hard to blame Thomas if he looked at the Giants’ entire draft class, shrugged, and said to call him when they proved themselves.
Runyan and Schmitz are entering their final year of team control. Neither fared well analytically last year, contributing to Dart’s various trips to the blue tent.
Any discussions about the Giants’ 2025 offensive line must begin with the fact that doctors evaluated Dart for a concussion at least five times.
The best way the 20-year-old can prove and endear himself to Thomas is by ensuring Dart remains upright. Mauigoa won’t need to wait long for his opportunity. The Giants have made it clear from the jump that they view Mauigoa as the starting right guard, even as he transitions to the interior.
Although Mauigoa only played right tackle during games, he previously confirmed that he took snaps at guard during Hurricanes practices.
No Giants offensive lineman has made the Pro Bowl since Chris Snee in 2012.
Add us as a preferred source on Google