​The New York Giants sport a promising offensive line that aims to take a notable step forward this season after re-signing Jermaine Eluemunor and selecting Francis Mauigoa with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. When paired with left tackle Andrew Thomas, Eluemunor forms one of the stronger tackle duos in the league, a unit many analysts consider a key strength for Big Blue.
Yet, this week brought an unexpected twist. Sports Illustrated released its rankings of the top five tackle duos for the 2026 season and did not include the Giants’ pair on the list. The duos that earned recognition in SI’s top five came from the Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos, and San Francisco 49ers. The omission has sparked discussion about how high the Giants’ front five can rise as they continue to develop protection for their running game and for quarterback Jaxson Dart, who is emerging as a core piece of the offense.
Interior protection remains an area for refinement. While the tackle tandem of Thomas and Eluemunor stands out, the interior of the line has room for improvement. If the entire unit can make a more significant leap this season, there is a real possibility that Thomas and Eluemunor could climb into a higher tier of the league’s best tackle tandems in the near future.
Eluemunor’s impact since joining the Giants two years ago has been notable. He has demonstrated durability, versatility, and a team-first approach, and he re-signed with New York this offseason on a favorable contract that reflects the value he brings. Thomas, meanwhile, has long been one of the league’s premier left tackles when healthy, but injuries have limited his availability at times, which may have contributed to the Giants not earning a spot on SI’s list. When he is at full strength, Thomas is widely regarded as one of the top players at his position, anchoring the edge with consistency and skill.
As the season unfolds, the questions surrounding the Giants’ offensive line will center on whether the entire unit can elevate its play together. If so, the Thomas-Eluemunor duo could be in line for a move up the rankings by this time next year, reflecting a concerted improvement in both pass protection and run blocking. The potential upside remains considerable, especially with Mauigoa adding interior depth and versatility to the mix, and with Dart continuing to develop chemistry and trust within the pocket.
In the broader context, the Giants clearly intend to lean on a strong offensive line to bolster their ground game and protect a young quarterback as they grow together. The early-season schedule places Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 8:20 p.m. ET, and the expectations around the line’s performance will be a focal point for fans eager to see how the unit translates offseason moves into on-field results. This overview reflects how Giants Wire summarized the situation, noting that the team’s OT duo faced scrutiny in SI’s top-five rankings while underscoring the potential for continued improvement as the season progresses.