Despite many projecting Marcus Mbow to move inside at the next level, New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll confirmed on Sunday that the rookie will compete for the right tackle position during training camp this summer.
Mbow, selected 156th overall, fell down the draft board without any obvious reason for his slide. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 300 pounds, his size is solid but not quite ideal for an NFL tackle, especially in terms of mass and anchor strength. However, at just 22 years old, there is still room for him to develop physically.
Although Mbow’s frame may not stand out, he already plays with more strength than expected and has quick feet, giving him an edge that few late-round tackles possess.
The Giants are currently evaluating their right tackle depth. While veteran Jermaine Eluemunor is the starting right tackle, he is in the final year of his contract and will likely seek a contract extension next offseason. With the Giants potentially reluctant to commit heavily to a veteran nearing 30, Mbow has a chance to develop into a long-term starter.
Mbow’s college performance at Purdue offers optimism, despite a less-than-perfect 2024 season. He played 666 snaps, including 385 in pass protection, allowing 25 pressures and three sacks, along with seven penalties. These numbers indicate he still needs refinement, but he also had standout performances against strong competition. The Giants view him as a developmental player who, with time, could become a reliable starter. Having offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo, known for maximizing player potential, could be key in helping Mbow develop his athleticism and foot speed into solid NFL-level skills.
The Giants won’t rush Mbow into the starting lineup. Instead, they’ll let him learn behind Eluemunor for the 2025 season, giving him time to gain weight, refine his technique, and adjust to the speed of the NFL. However, if injuries occur—as they often do in the NFL—Mbow may find himself on the field sooner than expected.
If Mbow reaches his full potential, the Giants could have a cost-effective, homegrown starting right tackle by 2026, adding long-term stability to an offensive line that has long needed it. Sometimes the quietest moves turn out to be the most valuable, and Mbow could prove to be one of those hidden gems.
