It wasn’t the flashiest pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, but it might end up being one of the most important. When the New York Giants snagged Marcus Mbow out of Purdue in the fifth round, it felt like the kind of pick that sneaks up on people. Quiet value. High upside. Nasty streak. All the traits you want in a lineman.
After addressing major needs with Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart on Day 1, GM Joe Schoen spent the back half of the draft loading up on depth and versatility. And in Mbow, he may have grabbed a player who doesn’t just stick on the 53 — he might challenge for multiple starting roles... in a more figurative sense.
That’s not speculation either. Mbow said it himself. He’s not here to blend in. He’s here to move around, learn everything, and go after whatever job is up for grabs. Expect to see No. 71 everywhere.
Marcus Mbow wants all five spots on the Giants’ O-line
He’s only two days into his first NFL camp, but Marcus Mbow is already bracing for a full workload. Asked where he expects to play on the line this season, the rookie kept it honest:
“I don’t know a hundred percent,” Mbow said when asked what position he’s going to play this season. “I’ll probably be moving everywhere, it’s day two. Looking to see where it goes from there.”
Versatility isn’t just a bonus anymore. It’s the blueprint. The Giants still have question marks up and down the offensive line — Evan Neal’s future, swing tackle depth, veteran placeholders — and Mbow gives them options. He played both guard and tackle at Purdue. He’s been working at center. And he sees the whole line as fair game.
“I feel like I can succeed at all five positions to be honest,” he said.
He’s not wrong. The film shows a powerful, athletic mover who plays with balance, punch, and real urgency. ESPN’s Matt Miller even called him one of the best value picks of Round 5, noting he had a Round 2-3 grade on Mbow entering the draft.
And now? He’s just trying to soak everything in — and let the reps speak for themselves.
“For the most part, learn, learn, learn, learn,” Mbow said when asked if his mindset will change when the veterans show up. “It’s definitely not going to change when the veterans get here. I just want to continue to be the best version of myself each day and I want to be the best one day.”
Giants fans should be excited to watch this unfold. Mbow’s already shown he’s comfortable bouncing around the line, and the confidence he brings to that challenge is infectious. Whether it’s guard, tackle, or even center, he looks like a guy who’s going to get real reps all over the place — and that makes him one of the most intriguing rookies to watch this summer.