The Kansas City Chiefs found a gem when they selected Trey Smith in the sixth round in 2021. Smith is one of the league’s best run-blocking guards, but he will enter free agency in 2025. His next contract’s average annual salary could price him out of Kansas City’s range and send the Chiefs back to the draft.
Purdue offensive lineman Marcus Mbow plays right tackle for the Boilermakers but projects best as a guard at the next level because he lacks the length and weight of a traditional offensive tackle. He suffered a significant season-ending leg injury in 2023 but is performing at a high level this year.
Mbow is an explosive athlete who quickly gets out of the blocks at the snap. His range in pass protection allows him to drive rushers up and around the pocket. Mbow possesses a surprisingly sturdy anchor for his build. He wears down power rushers gradually until the defender’s leg drive stalls.
Mbow posted elite tape against Oregon earlier this season. He attacked the Ducks with his polished, combative hands. Few offensive linemen in the 2025 class use as many counters and snatch-traps as Mbow. Even Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon ended up on the turf when facing Mbow.
Two minutes of Purdue right tackle Marcus Mbow (No. 63) showing his athleticism and beating up on Oregon Ducks defenders. #NFLDraft #NFLDraft2025 #2025NFLDraft https://t.co/CtdVArjHt5 pic.twitter.com/6yskdr0Jic
— Sam Teets (@Sam_Teets33) October 21, 2024
Mbow’s movement skills and ferocity translate to the run game. He is one of the quickest linemen in space in the past few draft cycles. Mbow hunts down linebackers and introduces them to his mauler mentality. He plays through the whistle with elite effort.
The Boilermakers play their next game at home against Northwestern on November 2 at 11 a.m CST. Wildcats star pass rusher Anto Saka is a notorious big game hunter who embarrassed eventual 2024 NFL draft picks Graham Barton and Caedan Wallace last season. The matchup between Mbow and Saka will be must-see TV.