The offensive line of the New York Giants has its question marks heading into the 2025 season, although it appeared to take a step in the right direction last year.
Under offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo, Big Blue allowed significantly fewer sacks and pressures, especially after a disastrous 2023 season that saw the most sacks allowed in franchise history. Those totals were cut in half, but there’s still work to be done under Bricillo’s watch heading into 2025.
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The interior of the line remains the biggest question mark, particularly at guard. Will Jon Runyan bounce back in his second season? Does Greg Van Roten hold on to a starting job? Could he shift to center if John Michael Schmitz struggles or gets injured again? Where does Evan Neal fit in? And how does fifth-round rookie Marcus Mbow factor into the mix? Joshua Watt of NFL Spin Zone believes Mbow could be a legitimate contender.
“The Giants interior offensive line was a bit disappointing in 2024, and in this recent offseason the team really did nothing to address the issue. Mbow, despite his size limitations, is technically refined and has a strong base to get the job done. He was a solid pickup in the fifth round and could earn playing time during the season if the interior line struggles.”
Could Marcus Mbow end up stealing a starting offensive line spot?
When the G-Men drafted Mbow out of Purdue, they initially envisioned him starting out at right tackle. But it wasn’t the only position he had experience playing. In 2022, Mbow started 14 games at right guard and earned All-Big Ten honorable mention honors. He then moved to right tackle in 2023 and 2024, boosting his NFL Draft stock and landing in New York, a team clearly looking to add hungry, young talent up front.
Mbow has already started taking reps at right tackle and has reportedly impressed in the early days of training camp. But he’s also preparing to slide into other roles if needed—particularly if injuries strike. With Andrew Thomas starting camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, Mbow could even see time at left tackle in a pinch. His prior experience at guard also makes him a natural candidate to rotate inside.
Given the age of New York’s starting guards and the uncertainty surrounding Neal, who isn’t guaranteed a starting spot unless he proves himself this summer, Mbow could quietly sneak into a much larger role. He’ll have the chance to not only compete, but potentially steal a job outright.
General manager Joe Schoen attempted to upgrade the offensive line in free agency, targeting Will Fries before he chose to sign with the Vikings. That led to Schoen bringing back Van Roten for a second year, but it didn’t stop him from adding Mbow in the draft or considering Neal’s move inside.
If Mbow works out and earns a starting role (maybe even as a rookie) New York won’t just have saved serious money. They may have found a long-term answer up front who can help pave the way for the skill players in this offense.