Giants Rekindle Purdue Connection on Day 3

Part of why the New York Giants were declared winners of the 2025 NFL Draft was the depth of their class.

Of course, drafting edge rusher Abdul Carter is a strong way to start any class, and adding a potential franchise quarterback could pay even bigger dividends. But on Day 2, the Giants added a plug-and-play defensive tackle, and they kicked off Round 4 with running back Cam Skattebo, who should see instant playing time.

The best value selection of their entire class might have come in Round 5, when New York took Purdue offensive tackle Marcus Mbow.

Viewed as a Day 2 prospect by many analysts, the consensus was that general manager Joe Schoen found a steal in the middle of Day 3. He also, seemingly, found a way to boost the chemistry between his offensive line and running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.

The Giants rekindled a Purdue connection with that fifth-round pick, pairing Mbow with his former running back.

“I mean, that's my guy,” Mbow said at his introductory press conference. “We've been in touch a good amount throughout this process. I was talking to him earlier today, so I'm extremely excited to be back with him and ready to go put it back on the line for him for sure.”

Given Mbow’s consensus as a Day 2 pick, Mbow expected to hear his name called on Friday. Obviously, that wasn’t the case. His former (and now, new) teammate was there to give him some support.

“He was saying not to let it get to you,” Mbow said. “Pretty much what everybody else says. It's not where you get drafted, it's just what you do with it, not to expect anything and just take what you got and run with it.”

Tracy experienced a similar fall in 2024, although his pre-draft hype wasn’t nearly as strong. As Mbow hopes to do, Tracy took advantage of his opportunity, shining in Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks and ultimately running away with the starting job.

By the year’s end, he joined receiver Malik Nabers as the third combination of rookies to post 1,000 yards from scrimmage (each). He’ll enter 2025 as the starting running back and a key piece of the offense’s plan.

Mbow doesn’t know if he’ll be starting for Tracy, or where he’ll be playing once he does crack the lineup. He does know, however, what he brings to the table.

“I know I can block for him.”