Dolphins don’t have to look far for help in crucial area in Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft
The Dolphins could have their eye on a player who shared their home stadium over the last three years.
The Miami Dolphins are in the midst of a new era after washing away most of the remnants from the old regime, including the release of QB Tua Tagovailoa last week.
With a roster with plenty of holes and in a salary cap predicament, the work this offseason will not be easy for new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and his staff. They’ve gotten the most important part done, inking former Green Bay quarterback Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million contract.
But can the Dolphins front office construct an offensive line in front of him that can protect him and establish a physical brand of football that the franchise has lacked for far, far too long?
They might not have to look too far in order to find some help in that area. In fact, they might not have to look beyond their own stadium. ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr. put out his most recent mock draft on Tuesday, and he has the Dolphins selecting Miami Hurricanes OT Francis Mauigoa with the 11th pick.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr. has Dolphins selecting Miami Hurricanes OT Francis Mauigoa in his latest mock draft
“With a new quarterback in Malik Willis and an offense that revolves around running back De’Von Achane, right tackle is important for Miami,” Kiper, Jr. wrote. “But Austin Jackson has played 14 games combined over the past two seasons, and Larry Borom is off to Detroit. That’s why the Dolphins should take a long look at Mauigoa. He started 42 games in college, over which time he put together some really good tape. Mauigoa uses his strength to dominate pass rushers, and he can clear out running lanes.”
Mauigoa, who started at right tackle for three years for the Hurricanes, is someone who could fit in well in Miami, particularly with the Dolphins’ 2026 roster. Incumbent starting RT Austin Jackson is in the final year of his contract in 2026, which was restructured last week. But Jackson’s inability to stay on the field is well documented, as he’s missed 20 games over the last two years after a strong 2023 season for Miami.
Mauigoa has been projected by some to move inside to guard, although his measurables to Detroit Lions All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell are striking. He has the ability to move to guard to start his career and eventually shift outside to tackle when and if Jackson and the Dolphins part ways after the 2026 season. A mauler in the run game, Mauigoa has the looks of someone who could make the transition inside and help the Dolphins’ run game start to establish a more physical brand of football.
