This time of year, mock drafts from NFL personalities are quickly flying off of the shelves like the latest iteration of the Furby or Tickle Me Elmo doll. One of the original mock drafting gurus, Mel Kiper, released his latest mock draft on Tuesday morning, and a familiar name for South Florida football fans was picked for the Dolphins at #11 overall.
Francis Mauigoa, offensive lineman from the Miami Hurricanes, was Kiper’s pick for the Dolphins — and if that comes to pass when the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off in less than two months from Pittsburgh, PA, Miami’s new general manager, Jon-Eric Sullivan, will be doing back-flips in his office in Miami Gardens.
Here is what Kiper had to say about Mauigoa’s potential fit within the Dolphins’ organization:
The Dolphins’ quarterback situation is unsettled, as they explore trade options for Tua Tagovailoa. But Alabama’s Ty Simpson is still a reach here. So, let’s instead look at the offensive line. Right tackle Austin Jackson — the team’s last first-round pick on the offensive line, back in 2020 — has struggled to stay on the field, and fill-in Larry Borom is a free agent. Mauigoa comes with 42 starts of experience and a mauling attitude. Plus, he’d be able to keep his parking pass at Hard Rock Stadium as he comes over from the Hurricanes.
If Jackson stays healthy and takes ownership of the RT spot, Mauigoa could easily kick inside to guard. Some scouts think he’s a better fit there, and plenty of attention will be paid to his arm length measurements this week at the combine.
If the Dolphins were to land Mauigoa at pick #11, it would be a stroke of immense luck as most draft experts predict him to be selected within the top-10 picks come April. However, if the mauling lineman does end up in Miami, his services would go a long way to adding some much needed toughness to a roster that has struggled in that area as of late.