Chiefs draft profile: Why Francis Mauigoa might be a future right tackle anchor

Imagine the Chiefs had the No. 9 overall pick a few years ago in the 2024 NFL Draft. Joe Alt, son of former Kansas City Chiefs tackle John Alt, was the top tackle prospect in the class. The Chargers, even with an All-Pro in Rashawn Slater on the left side, doubled down and took Joe Alt. Now, that hasn’t exactly worked for them, but that’s because they’re cursed. All joking aside, if the Chiefs could add a talent like Joe Alt to their offensive line, they’d have to consider it.

While there has certainly been a lot to like about what we’ve seen from Josh Simmons, there are still some lingering questions about his availability. Maybe the smartest move the Chiefs can make is to invest in tackle and protect Patrick Mahomes into his thirties post-ACL injury.

There’s a real chance the Chiefs might have the best available player on their board at tackle when pick No. 9 is on the clock. Francis Mauigoa and Spencer Fano might not be the sexiest selections at No. 9, but this might be the Chiefs’ best chance to get another franchise tackle. Jaylon Moore allowed nine pressures in the two games he started at right tackle in 2025. Acting like he’s the definitive answer at right tackle for 2026 could be a fatal flaw for the team.

To keep close tabs on the 2026 NFL Draft and the top prospects for the Kansas City Chiefs, make sure to bookmark our Arrowhead Addict Big Board. Our custom big board is tailored toward the Chiefs’ needs and thresholds.

NFL Draft Profile: Francis Mauigoa, Offensive Tackle, Miami

Age: 20 (on draft day)

Height: 6-6 (listed)

Weight: 335 LBS (listed)

Tape Exposure: Ole Miss (2025), Texas A&M (2025), Florida State (2025)

Shades of: Taliese Fuaga

Francis Mauigoa Background

Francis “Sisi” Mauigoa was born in Ili‘ili, American Samoa. He began his high school career at Aquinas High School in San Bernardino, California, where he earned national recognition for his play on both sides of the line. He later continued his development at the prestigious IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. A consensus five-star recruit, he was the sixth overall prospect in the nation for the 2022 class and committed to Miami out of high school. His brother, Fredric Mauigoa, started 39 games at center for Washington State and also spent time on the Bengals’ and Panthers’ rosters.

Since starting as a true freshman, Mauigoa has been a consistent presence at right tackle, never missing a start for the Hurricanes and serving as a team captain during the program’s push toward the national championship. He was ranked 16th on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks” list for his 1.57-second 10-yard split and for being clocked at 18 mph on GPS tracking at 335 lbs.

What makes Francis Mauigoa a top prospect

Technique

Fast but never hurried, he consistently uses space well between himself and the rusher. His kick step is smooth and quick, with solid footwork. His ability to drop an anchor and end a bull rush is elite. He shows excellent fluidity in his hips and is a natural athlete.

Pedigree/ Upside

A former five-star, top-six prospect in the nation who performed well on the biggest stages against top competition. Still only 20 years old and a team captain with NFL bloodlines, there’s so much to like about his profile as a prospect. Any team needing a foundational piece on the offensive line would be lucky to have him.

Power

A natural people-mover in the run game with a thick, sturdy frame. His initial punch is impressive, and the play strength shows even in the RPO-heavy scheme Miami ran.

Limitations for Francis Mauigoa

Length and Frame

Built like a guard, most key insiders in the draft community believe there are arm-length concerns that could push him inside at the next level. That said, similar concerns existed around Taliese Fuaga and Troy Fautanu, and both have stuck at tackle. He’s at least earned the benefit of the doubt with his play on the edge.

Speed up the Arc

Occasionally, he can be caught out of position and lunge at a speed rusher around the arc. This is part of why some believe he might be better suited inside.

Why can't the Chiefs just lock up right tackle?

The concerns at right tackle might be larger than we know, especially if Josh Simmons can’t be counted on long term. The problem with simply doubling down at tackle is that there is no sure-fire tackle prospect in this class. Fano is probably the top tackle prospect, but he has some anchor concerns, while Mauigoa has length concerns.

Considering all of the investments the Chiefs have already made along the offensive line, it’s hard to imagine sinking a top-10 pick into it as well. However, all of that can change the minute Jaylon Moore or Josh Simmons leaves a game with an injury.

Francis Mauigoa is a powerful and polished tackle with immense upside. He displays high-level technique and has performed well against some of the top competition in the nation. Despite some length concerns, he’s earned a chance at tackle in the league and remains a high-floor prospect as an elite recruit who is still just 20 years old.

Round Grade: Green Chip (2nd Round Grade)