There’s a particular kind of hope that comes with holding a top-five draft pick, fragile, maybe, but still impossible not to hold onto. The New York Giants did not have the season they wanted in 2025, but they did come away with something that matters: a young quarterback who looks like he could become the heart of the franchise, but he needs help.
Who Will the Giants Draft To Help QB Jaxon Dart?
Jaxson Dart had his moments, the kind that made you sit a little straighter on the coach. He also had far too many moments where he was hit, hurried, or forced into survival mode. And now, as the 2026 NFL draft is upcoming, PFSN predicts the team will use that No. 5 pick on someone who could change everything for him.
According to PFSN’s latest seven-round mock draft, New York is projected to select Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, a 6-foot-6, 335-pound cornerstone who feels tailor-made for what this offense needs right now.
Because if 2025 taught the Giants anything, it’s that Dart can be the guy, but only if he’s given the chance to actually play like it.
The protection in front of him never quite settled. Rookie Marcus Mbow was asked to do too much too soon, and while he battled, the results were uneven. Veteran options were serviceable at best and uncertain moving forward, with Jermaine Eluemunor and Mark Glowinski entering free agency.
The line felt temporary all season, like a solution that was always meant to be replaced, and Dark ended up absorbing the consequences of that instability. Hits piled up. So did the concern.
Mauigoa comes into that picture as something entirely different: solid.
He’s a powerful, technically refined tackle whose game is all about control. His hands are his calling card, quick to strike, accurate in their placement, and strong enough to lock defenders in place once he gets inside their frame.
Francis Mauigoa | OL | #Miami | 6-6, 335, JR
One of my favorite players in this year class regardless of position. Consistently consistent in the run game and in pass protection.
I would play him at tackle first on the next level. pic.twitter.com/CrDfZ7IJTG
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) January 19, 2026
The value of him goes beyond brute strength, though. His footwork in pass protection is calm and disciplined. He does not panic or overextend, and he’s particularly effective at redirecting when rushers try to counter inside.
For Dart, that could be everything.
He’s a rhythm passer, someone who thrives when he can set his base and let the play develop rather than constantly improvising under duress. The Giants want him to be decisive, accurate, and in control of the offense, but none of that happens without better protection up front. Drafting Mauigoa would give New York a foundation piece at tackle, someone who can anchor that side of the line for years and grow alongside their young quarterback.
