With all that took place during the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders quickly became one of the major headlines. The quarterback prospect, who was universally considered to go in the second round at the latest, ended up falling to the fifth round, where the Cleveland Browns selected him with the 144th pick.
The move was immediately coined as the best value pick of the draft. Regardless of how anyone feels about the polarizing quarterback, just about every analyst had him ranked as a top-25 prospect. Getting a guy like that at 144 is a good pick, even if you did pass on him several times. However, not everyone agrees that Cleveland landing Sanders is the best value pick of the draft— not even everyone believes he’s the best value pick of the fifth round.
ESPN’s draft analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid recently released a piece reflecting the draft, and answering a number of questions. One question they answered was the best value pick of each round. For the fifth round, Reid selected Sanders, but Miller argued the New York Giants’ selection of Marcus Mbow.
Giants’ pick Marcus Mbow named as best value pick in Round 5
Miller explained that he had the offensive lineman graded as a day-two pick, and argues that Mbow has all the tools to become a thriving starter if developed correctly.
"Marcus Mbow, G, New York Giants (No. 154). Mbow was graded as a late Round 2 or early Round 3 player on my board. He's a talented developmental offensive lineman who has the athletic skills to shine in a zone-blocking scheme. He can be a starter if he adds power."Matt Miller (ESPN)
That would be great news for New York if it happened. It’s no secret the Giants need better depth on their offensive line, and to improve it as a whole. If Mbow, a fifth round pick, could make that happen. The franchise would be elated.
Mbow is a 6-foot-4, 303-pound offensive lineman who played both guard and tackle during his four-year career at Purdue. If he develops like Matt Miller believes he can, he’ll be a force for the Giants.