The New York Giants knew they had a special player when they selected Purdue offensive lineman Marcus Mbow in the fifth round of last year’s NFL draft.
Mbow can play anywhere along the offensive line and proved it during his rookie season. He had no preference. Many who covered the team saw him as an eventual starter, mainly at guard, but thus far, he has played mostly tackle.
In 2025, Mbow appeared in 13 games, starting three and seeing snaps in five others. The bulk of his work has been as a swing tackle, filling in for both left tackle Andrew Thomas and Jermaine Eluemunor on the right side. He handled himself fairly well in those games, and many felt he would get a shot as a starter this season.
With a new coaching staff coming in the door, Mbow is still not seen as a starter. Head coach John Harbaugh’s staff is considering Mbow as their third tackle, behind Thomas and the recently re-signed Eluemunor.
ESPN Giants beat reporter Jordan Raanan recently told Bobby Skinner on the Breaking Big Blue podcast that Mbow is likely going to be the third tackle again this year. He will not be tried at guard.
“I do not think — now it doesn’t mean they might not look in or look at it — but or like try it at some point,” Raanan said of moving Mbow to guard. “But his role right now seems to be, or the intention for his role right now is to be the swing tackle.”
This offseason, the Giants surprisingly continued their relationship with two former high-round picks, Evan Neal and Joshua Ezeudu. These are two players who have had injury and performance issues in their four years with Big Blue, and many felt the team would simply let them go on their way.
Not so. Both are back on one-year “prove-it” deals and are blocking the way for a possible Mbow move to guard.
“Josh Ezeudu, they’re going to try at guard and tackle, you know, he’s going to play both. Evan Neal is going to be a guard,” said Raanan. “And Marcus Mbow, for better or worse, they think he’s a pretty good tackle. He was at least serviceable when he was in there for Jermaine Eluemunor when he was injured.”
The decision to keep Mbow at tackle actually gives the Giants peace of mind and depth at tackle. The guard spots are in flux, although it appears the team is ready to run it back at left guard with Jon Runyan Jr.
The right side is up for grabs. The Giants signed veteran Lucas Patrick this week and have a glut of players besides Ezeudu and Neal vying for the role. Veteran Aaron Stinnie is back, as well as Jake Kubas. The team is also exploring bringing in a rookie or two this spring.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Report: New York Giants view Marcus Mbow as their swing tackle
Reporting by John Fennelly, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
