The Miami Dolphins, like all other 31 teams, are currently looking into and evaluating all of the college talent ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. With players moving up and down draft boards due to interviews, Pro Day performances, and more, health updates can cause a significant ripple.

Consensus top offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa from Miami has now experienced one of those health updates. Per reports, he is set to be checked out by doctors due to a back disc issue that bothered him late in the season.

Mauigoa has continued to move up and down the first round draft boards, but he has usually sat somewhere in the top 15. Certain mock drafts have him going as high as No. 5 overall to the New York Giants.

The mauling tackle has 42 starts over the last three seasons, has the elite punching power and speed to stay square as a blocker, and can anchor an offensive line as a Day One starter. However, he experienced back discomfort that teams have requested more information on.

Per NFL insider Ian Rapoport:

"#Miami OT Francis Mauigoa, potentially the top tackle in the Draft, has decided to be at Combine Rechecks on Friday for additional imaging on a minor back issue that caused him some discomfort late in the season, sources say. Mauigoa started 42 straight games in college, including all 16 this season, and upon full professional consultation is not considered a candidate for immediate surgery. He did perform fully at his Pro Day and currently is symptom-free. But some teams have asked for additional testing on a disc issue and with nothing to hide, Mauigoa heads to Indy."

Instead of not agreeing to the additional tests, Mauigoa will get retested in Indianapolis so teams have the full scope of his back injury.

What this could mean is that he may slide down a few spots or so. Granted, any findings will impact that number but teams may get squeamish on drafting him too high with the concern of a back issue.

Should he fall, the Dolphins may be in a prime position to land him at No. 11 overall. 

The offensive line only has two spots that are completely sorted. Center Aaron Brewer and left tackle Patrick Paul are two of the foundational players on this team and are very good at their jobs. 

The rest of the line is up for a change.

Left guard Jonah Savaiinea struggled mightily in his rookie season and was one of the worst-rated guards in the league. Right guard is a mystery due to Cole Strange leaving in free agency. 

The Dolphins brought in Jamaree Sayler to potentially take the right guard position, but there is no guarantee that he lands it. 

The right tackle position is inhabited by Austin Jackson, who is fantastic when he is healthy. The issue is he has not remained healthy. He currently has 32 starts since the 2022 season.

Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley indicated that there would be major changes on the line via competition, and Mauigoa could come in and land one of those spots. 

The arrival of a young top lineman could also push the others to play their best football, for fear they would lose their starting position to a younger counterpart.

There was always a chance that Mauigoa could fall to No. 11 overall, but the back issue could lead to him falling enough for the Dolphins to make a move. While the team has multiple needs, starting with the offensive line to protect Malik Willis is a top choice.