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stephen holder
multiple authors
indianapolis-east miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa Overheard discussing teammates reuben ben jrArm length is considered less here at the NFL Combine.
And as far as Mauigoa is concerned, he doesn’t want to hear it. In fact, it’s a pair of Miami’s defensive ends, Ben and Achim MessidorThose, he said, have helped Mauigoa develop into the force he has become.
When Mauigoa was asked about his toughest matches last season, he said, “No one can come close to what we got.” “I mean, Ruben Benn and Achim Messidor, they gave me all the work. They made me who I am now.”
Mauigoa, the projected first offensive lineman to be selected in the April draft, helped solidify Miami’s dominant offensive line. But his unit was outmatched by his own team’s defensive line, led by Benn and Messidor.
Benn has been the subject of some debate at the combine due to the length of his arm, measured at 30⅞ inches. Mauigoa said it’s much lower than teams prefer for the position, but it shouldn’t be a factor in evaluating one of the country’s most impactful players in 2025.
He said, “It doesn’t matter.” “I mean, if you watch the tape, it doesn’t matter… Ruben Benn, that’s the mentality he has. He’s got the guts to do anything.”
For the practice matchup between the Miami lines, Mauigoa borrowed an analogy from his head coach.
“Every day, we are going head to head,” he said. “Like a coach [Mario] Cristóbal said in one of his interviews, it’s like Jurassic Park.
As for his prospects, Mauigoa said he wants to be the first lineman selected and believes his willingness to play any position will help in that effort.
Mauigoa is a candidate to play tackle or guard in the NFL, something he said teams have discussed with him during his combine interviews. He responded by explaining that he would be open to the idea and that he had requested his college offensive line coach to give him practice reps to prepare for this possibility.
“They all talked to me about how I would feel if I went to the Guard,” he said. “And it’s the same thing. I mean, coach.” [Alex] Mirabelle can attest. I asked Coach Mirabal if I could get some reps at safety. I already know I’ll play right tackle [at Miami]But for the next level, I mean, I’m not sure. If they want me in any position, I’m going to do it. And as I said, it’s five situations. I’ll make sure I get one of those.”
