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Miami’s ‘mauling’ pick in new ESPN mock draft hits close to home
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The Miami Hurricanes are heading into the 2026 offseason after the departure of their most dominant player on the offensive line. Following a hard-fought loss in the National Championship game against Indiana, star tackle Francis Mauigoa officially declared for the NFL Draft in early January .
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As a consensus top-three tackle in this draft class, his exit was expected but remains a significant loss for the program. Mauigoa lived up to his preseason All-American status during the 2025 season, allowing only 15 pressures over more than 1,000 snaps.
He is part of a talented group of Hurricanes entering the professional ranks, including Wesley Bissainthe and Anez Cooper, and is widely anticipated to be the first Miami player selected in April.
A recent mock draft from ESPN suggests an intriguing homecoming , predicting that Mauigoa will join the Miami Dolphins .
Evaluators highlight his film as some of the cleanest in the 2026 class, emphasizing his consistent ability to create movement as a reliable blocker.
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Although his 6-foot-5, 329-pound frame has sparked discussions about a potential move to guard, ESPN identifies him as a cornerstone tackle.
Pairing Mauigoa with Patrick Paul would provide the Dolphins' new regime with a formidable pair of bookend tackles to anchor their franchise rebuild.
The excitement around Mauigoa grew during the NFL Scouting Combine, where he stood out among a strong group of offensive linemen.
Draft experts, such as Lance Zierlein, have praised his durability as a three-year starter, while others consider him a potential top-ten pick.
Beyond the Dolphins, teams like the Giants have expressed interest in him to help protect Jaxson Dart and establish a more physical identity.
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Whether he remains in Miami or goes elsewhere, Mauigoa's combination of lower-body quickness and raw power makes him a high-priority target for any team seeking an immediate upgrade in their offensive line.
Related: Dolphins cut Liam Eichenberg amid transitional offseason
Related: NFL Free Agency: Predicting where top players on the open market sign
