Using a fifth-round pick to select Purdue offensive lineman Marcus Mbow was the least hyped move the New York Giants made in the 2025 NFL draft, but it could turn out to be the most significant, thanks to a complex plan involving the rookie and at least two veteran blockers.
The plan was described by John Fennelly of Giants Wire. He referenced Mbow as part of an argument for why 35-year-old Greg Van Roten could lose his job as left guard.
Fennelly explained how “the hope is that rookie Marcus Mbow can win a job this summer at either guard or tackle. If the latter happens, Jermaine Eluemunor would shift to guard. Either way, depth is needed all along the line.”
Shifting Eluemunor to guard would be bad news for Van Roten, who “was the only player to play every offensive snap last season, but the Giants wouldn’t be upset if he gets beaten out for the job.”
Van Roten is already under threat from high-profile draft bust Evan Neal making the switch to guard. Neal enjoying a successful transition can help the Giants salvage something from the investment they made in the seventh-overall pick in 2022, but Mbow’s ascension would have a greater knock-on effect across the line.
Giants Need Marcus Mbow to Meet Expectations
Mbow was touted as a steal as soon as he became the 154th pick. He can justify the hype by translating natural aggression as a mauler to the pro level.
The player’s nasty streak showed up on these blocks highlighted by Wide Left’s James Foster.
Mbow instantly playing like this in the NFL is a lofty expectation, but the 22-year-old meeting it can help the Giants solve a problem not being talked about enough this offseason.
Lost amid all the talk about new quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jaxson Dart, as well as the excitement about a loaded defensive front, has been a frank assessment of what the Giants have along the O-line.
The position group has been a weakness for a long time, and doubts persist, even after some improvements last season. Big Blue surrendered 48 sacks in 2024, one year after allowing a league-high 85 QB takedowns.
What improvement there was owed a lot to Van Roten and Eluemunor. The latter became something of a linchpin after replacing Neal at right tackle, but his versatility can make the Giants stronger at a vital spot.
Jermaine Eluemunor Move to Guard Can Transform O-Line
Having Eluemunor transfer his 6-foot-4, 338-pound frame to the inside could secure a key area of the lineup. Namely, the position next to left tackle Andrew Thomas, the brilliant but brittle lineman who’s the best blocker on the roster.
Thomas has had to carry the load by himself for too long, but putting an imposing guard next to him would change things for the better. Eluemunor fits the bill, but Neal could still surprise his critics.
Head coach Brian Daboll admitted Neal has “done a nice job. He’s picked up things well inside,” since moving from right tackle, per SNY.tv’s Giants Videos.
Maybe Neal makes the grade, but his career has so far been defined by struggles with technique, erratic athleticism and injury. The Giants didn’t get the return they hoped from a top-10 pick, but Mbow can prove a true sleeper if things go to plan during training camp.
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