With all of the positive buzz surrounding the New York Giants’ offensive line, it’s become easy to forget that first-round rookie Francis Mauigoa is in unfamiliar territory.
Adjusting to the NFL is one problem, but Mauigoa is moving from right tackle to right guard, a position where he had taken only practice snaps during his college career. When it comes to offensive linemen, the best news is often no news, and the only summer concerns regarding the No. 10 pick arose when he left practice with a stinger last week.
Longtime NFL analyst Mark Schlereth knows all about strong offensive line play, winning three Super Bowls with the then-Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos. During a recent episode of his “The Stinkin’ Truth” podcast, the two-time Pro Bowler made it clear that he’s a massive (pun not intended) fan of the Giants’ front five.
“They are going to punch you in the mouth,” Schlereth said. “They are going to control the line.”
New York Giants fans should love Mark Schlereth’s praise for the offensive line
John Harbaugh and Joe Schoen all but officially declared on draft night that Mauigoa would be the starting right guard. He’s the only newcomer on an offensive line that returns four of five starters, including veteran left tackle Andrew Thomas.
Although Schlereth didn’t specifically reference Mauigoa by name, the takeaway is that a 12-year veteran and accomplished offensive lineman loves what he’s seen from Jaxson Dart’s primary protectors.
“I don't care who your quarterback is in the National Football League,” Schlereth said. “And I don’t care about your … skill position guys. You dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the football, and you're going to win a lot of games.”
Harbaugh spent enough time in the AFC North to know how far an above-average offensive line can take a team. The 2008 Ravens team that he inherited came with a very young o-line, though they nonetheless reached the postseason in each of his first five seasons.
Amid a chaotic running back room and slot receiver Calvin Austin III’s season-ending torn ACL, the Giants’ offensive line appears good to go. Veteran center John Michael Schmitz returned to practice last week following a brief stint in concussion protocol, and none of the other three — Thomas, left guard Jon Runyan Jr. and right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor — are on the injury report.
Mauigoa saw 30 offensive snaps (56%) in the preseason opener but did not suit up for last Saturday’s game against the Dolphins. As of Wednesday afternoon, it remained unclear how much Mauigoa and the starters will play in Friday’s preseason finale.
Whatever the Giants do this year won’t feature backup guard Joshua Ezeudu, who was traded to the Chiefs for a 2028 seventh-round pick earlier this week.
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