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Purdue OT Marcus Mbow 2025 NFL Draft Profile

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By AJ Schulte | Last updated Jan 4, 2025 5:26 PM ET

Marcus Mbow, OT, Purdue

Height: 6'5
Weight: 300 pounds
DOB: 4/2/2003
Purdue

Strengths

Athleticism: Mbow might be the quickest offensive lineman in this class. He demonstrated very quickness out of his stance and easily reaches his landmarks on time. Mbow is an effortless mover out in space, playing light on his feet and gliding across the field, whether he's serving as a puller or climbing to the second level. He has very good fluidity and change of direction ability that keeps him engaged in reps and capable of mirroring top-flight speed around the edge. He should be one of the top testers in the draft class.

Pass Protection Technique: Mbow's technique in pass protection every week could serve as teach tape for any lineman. He's an elite technician who mastered displaying multiple passing sets, independent hands, and accurate, strong hands.

Versatility: Mbow started his career inside at guard for Purdue, but has put up terrific tape this season over at right tackle. There is also some talk about him capable of pulling off a move to center as well, giving him potential starter ability at three different spots. He is a scheme-versatile prospect, capable of executing gap and zone assignments, though he might be viewed as a better fit for zone offenses, given his size and frame.

#Purdue OL Marcus Mbow announces that he’s entering the 2025 NFL draft. A prospect that many scouts are already excited about.

Athletic blocker with very good feet. pic.twitter.com/sV6Hy7mYaF
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) December 2, 2024

Weaknesses

Length: The major driving force behind why some evaluators project Mbow inside to guard is his average length. It doesn't limit his game at all in college, but NFL evaluators are particular about these things, given how much can be decided in the margins at the next level. He has the skill set to make up for it, but don't be surprised if he comes in with closer to average arm length.

Anchor: I do worry about how Mbow will handle power at the next level. He doesn't lack for play strength (though it's more average than a plus of his game), but he, to use an old scouting term, lacks sand in his pants to hold up against NFL power.

Aggressiveness: Mbow is an elite technician, but he does have a bad habit of overextending at times in the run game. To make up for his lack of length, he will also try and establish first contact early with aggressive sets, and NFL rushers can set him up at the next level if he keeps that up.

Player Evaluation

I'm a fan of Marcus Mbow's film. He's an effortless mover with the technical ability that makes him capable of starting right away. Mbow is a high-floor prospect who is capable of playing a variety of positions in any scheme.

While I don't think he should be moved off of tackle until he fails there, I am intrigued by him as a center in a class lacking a top-flight prospect at the pivot position. That move could protect his lack of anchor while potentially maximizing his movement skills, especially in a zone scheme. However, I would still like Mbow to earn a chance to play at tackle first before I move him inside.

Player Comparison

Zach Tom (Green Bay Packers)

I think there are plenty of similarities between Mbow and Zach Tom, who has developed into a quality starting right tackle for the Packers. Tom entered the league with below-average length and play strength, but his savviness as a technician and very good athletic ability have carried him into being one of the best right tackles in the NFL. He still isn't perfect as a blocker and his power profile can bite him, but the rest of his game makes up for it. I see a similar player in Mbow.