Purdue right tackle Marcus Mbow has emerged as a standout player in the 2024 season, recently landing at pick No. 13 in Daniel Harms' latest NFL mock draft. As we explore what sets Mbow apart, it’s clear he is not just a top prospect—he is the best offensive lineman in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
The demand for high-performing offensive linemen has surged in the last decade, driven by the need to match the elite athleticism and skill sets of modern defensive linemen. This evolution of the offensive line position is where Mbow makes his case as one of the most desirable talents at the position.
Mbow’s journey in football is important to note. After playing primarily right guard in the 2022 season, he made a seamless transition to tackle in 2023 before sustaining a season-ending injury just six games in. Just based on his 2023 tape, he was identified as a top prospect, and his 2024 film has only solidified that assessment. Mbow combines exceptional physical attributes with a unique playing style that puts him a tier above his peers.
When evaluating offensive linemen, understanding a player’s value hinges on contextualizing their performance—examining both wins and losses throughout games. Observing Mbow reveals a player with an exceptionally high ceiling. His athletic ability is outstanding; he effortlessly gains ground from his stance, mirrors rushers in space, and consistently tracks the ball. His relentless pursuit of the play and commitment to finishing blocks highlight his exceptional football character and violence. He checks those boxes without a doubt.
What truly distinguishes Mbow—and what makes him the best in this class—is his embodiment of the modern offensive lineman. He showcases techniques that elevate the position to new heights.
In today’s game, defensive fronts frequently shift gaps and apply pressure with varied alignments. This evolution demands tackles who can gain ground in vertical sets while skillfully disrupting the timing of opposing pass rushers. Mbow excels as an elite vertical setter and employs a creative mix of techniques, including creep sets and jump/quick sets, which severely limit defenders’ ability to reach their rush angles. These techniques are not mere embellishments; they are increasingly effective in defeating second-effort rushes and power counters.
Mbow’s skill set parallels that of the top linemen in the league, such as Lane Johnson, Christian Darrisaw, and Trent Williams. These players possess a diverse set of tools to counter elite rushers, and while such tools typically take years to develop, Mbow already showcases them with remarkable proficiency.
Hand usage has become a focal point for evaluators, often seen as a common issue among prospective linemen. Mbow’s film presents a mix of strong and weak reps in this area, creating some ambiguity in his evaluation. However, reading between the lines reveals significantly encouraging abilities. He has made considerable strides in using his hands with better timing and precision since his 2023 film, and while I appreciate his independent hand usage, there’s still room for refinement to minimize mistakes.
One of Mbow’s standout skills is his mastery of neutralizing defenders using snatch and trap techniques. This frequent application adds a unique dimension to his game, allowing him to control defenders with both finesse and brute force. This capability is invaluable at the professional level, where defenders play with relentless effort. Taking them completely out of a play is a massive asset.
Such a high level of offensive line play is rarely seen in college football. Mbow’s skills are not only impressive; they fundamentally alter how defenders approach him. He plays the game unlike anything I’ve seen.
In our summer scouting report, Mbow’s eagerness to dominate is noted, which sometimes led to exaggerated steps and lunging into blocks. However, in matchups against Oregon and Northwestern, you can observe significant improvements in his footwork and angles against defenders. Most if not all deficiencies noted in his 2023 film have seen drastic improvements in this season.
As he transitions to the NFL, Mbow has the attributes needed to be a cornerstone for any franchise's offensive line. If he continues to develop, he could very well emerge as one of the best linemen in the league, leaving a lasting impact on the game for years to come.
