The Detroit Lions are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft, and with their offensive line in need of an upgrade, they should strongly consider drafting Francis Mauigoa. Mauigoa, a top tackle, would be an instant starter and bring a sense of swagger back to the team. While he might not be the first name on their draft board, his potential impact is undeniable.
Mauigoa's journey to the NFL is an inspiring one. Growing up in American Samoa, he faced challenges that many players from the mainland wouldn't. With limited resources, he and his teammates had to make do with makeshift equipment, using cut-up slippers as pads and sharing mouthpieces. This experience has instilled in him a deep sense of character and humility, which are qualities that NFL teams highly value.
On the field, Mauigoa has been a force to be reckoned with. Playing right tackle for his entire college career at Miami, he has consistently improved his pass-blocking skills. His grades per PFF (Pro Football Focus) have shown a steady rise, from 64.8 in his first year to 87 in his final year, with 15 pressures, nine hurries, and only two sacks allowed. Mauigoa's 6-foot-5, 329-pound frame, combined with his hand placement and ability to withstand bull rushes, makes him an exceptional tackle.
However, there are some concerns about Mauigoa's medical history. He underwent bilateral shoulder surgery after his freshman year, which could be a red flag for some teams. Additionally, his run-blocking grades have been up and down, with a career-high 77.1 in 2025, but also a low of 68.1 in 2024. The Lions, who value the running game heavily, might prefer a tackle with stronger run-blocking abilities.
Another point of contention is his arm length, which has led some to believe he could be a better guard than tackle. However, this is a common misconception, as evidenced by the success of Lions EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, who had small arms but excelled in his role. Mauigoa's arm length might not be a significant weakness after all.
In my opinion, Mauigoa is the top tackle in this draft class. While his chances of being available at pick 17 are low, the possibility of him being there is higher than it was a few months ago. The media hype surrounding other tackles, such as Kadyn Proctor and Monroe Freeling, could cause Mauigoa to slip down the board. Additionally, the draft could be shaken up by the potential early selection of running back Jeremiyah Love, wide receivers Jordyn Tyson and Omar Cooper Jr, and even quarterback Ty Simpson.
The Lions might consider trading up a few spots to secure Mauigoa's services before someone else jumps in front of them. In my view, he would be an excellent addition to the team, both as a person and as a player. He would bring stability to the tackle position and potentially become the next great tackle for the Detroit Lions.
