Giants Opt for Offensive Line Help After Dexter Lawrence Trade

Mel Kiper's updated NFL mock draft has New York taking Miami OT Francis Mauigoa at No. 10 overall.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:49pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an abstract football scene, with sharp planes of color representing the strategic decisions around the Giants' offensive line and defensive front.A cubist interpretation of the Giants' offensive line rebuild after trading away a key defensive piece.Auburn Today

With the New York Giants trading three-time Pro Bowler Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has updated his NFL mock draft. Instead of addressing the void on the defensive line, Kiper projects the Giants will select Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa with the No. 10 overall pick.

Why it matters

The Giants will need to find a way to replace Lawrence's production on the interior defensive line, but Kiper believes fortifying the offensive line to protect quarterback Jaxson Dart is the better move with this selection. Mauigoa is considered one of the top tackles in the class and could potentially kick inside to guard as well.

The details

After the Giants agreed to trade Lawrence to the Bengals, Kiper modified his mock draft to have New York select Mauigoa at No. 10 overall. Kiper believes Mauigoa has a Pro Bowl ceiling and would help open rushing lanes for the Giants' backfield.

  • The Giants traded Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals on April 19, 2026.

The players

Dexter Lawrence

A three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle who the Giants traded to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Francis Mauigoa

An offensive tackle from the University of Miami who Mel Kiper projects the Giants will select with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jaxson Dart

The Giants' starting quarterback who was sacked 35 times in 14 appearances as a rookie.

Mel Kiper Jr.

An ESPN NFL draft analyst who released an updated mock draft after the Giants-Bengals trade.

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What they’re saying

“And after going defense at No. 5, the Giants would be happy to see the class' top offensive tackle still on the board here. They brought back Jermaine Eluemunor, but adding Mauigoa would take this unit to the next level. Plus, they could even kick Mauigoa inside, where I think he has a Pro Bowl ceiling. Mauigoa has started 42 games in college, he's a sound pass protector, and he'd open some rushing lanes for Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr.”

— Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN NFL Draft Analyst

What’s next

The Giants will have to determine how to best replace Dexter Lawrence's production on the defensive line, either through the draft or free agency.

The takeaway

With the trade of Dexter Lawrence, the Giants have a void to fill on the interior defensive line. However, Mel Kiper believes the better move is to use the No. 10 overall pick to bolster the offensive line and protect young quarterback Jaxson Dart.