Giants rookie gets perfect welcome to New York from a familiar college friend

Joe Schoen did it again! The New York Giants stole the show this weekend at the NFL Draft and once again brought in another talented rookie class.

Last year, Schoen impressed at the draft, bringing in a class consisting of Malik Nabers, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Theo Johnson, Tyler Nubin, and Dru Phillips. Who would’ve thought Schoen would top what he did last year?

Everyone is talking about the Giants’ action on Thursday night when they selected Abdul Carter third overall and then traded back into the first round to take Jaxson Dart with the 25th pick. Still, not enough people are discussing what Schoen and the Giants pulled off on Friday and Saturday.

The Giants took Toledo defensive tackle Darius Alexander in the third round, a great addition to the defensive line next to Dexter Lawrence II and Chauncey Golston.

In the fourth round, they addressed their backfield by picking Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo. Skattebo and Tracy Jr. could eventually become one of the best running back tandems in the NFL.

Not enough people are talking about the Giants’ fifth-round pick, Purdue offensive lineman Marcus Mbow. Mbow appeared in 36 games at Purdue, with 32 starts between right guard and right tackle.

Last season, the Boilermakers primarily used him at right tackle, where he started all 12 games. Mbow’s 77.2 run block grade by Pro Football Focus ranked fifth among Big Ten tackles with a minimum of 250 run block snaps.

The Giants could always use offensive line depth, and this was a steal by Schoen and company to grab a lineman who gives them flexibility at both guard and tackle on Day 3 of the draft. It also seems like Big Blue’s front office has a thing for Purdue players in the fifth round.

Last year, the Giants drafted Tracy Jr. with the 166th pick out of Purdue. Tracy Jr. had a rookie breakout campaign in New York, so why not draft one of his college teammates and expect the same?

Mbow blocked for Tracy Jr. in 2024 at Purdue, and he’ll do the same next season in East Rutherford. Not only are Tracy Jr. and Mbow former college teammates, but they’ll now get the chance to reunite and play at a high level in New York.

Tyrone Tracy Jr. had the perfect reaction to the Giants’ fifth-round pick

Purdue Football’s X account posted pictures of Tracy Jr. and Mbow from their time together as Boilermakers after the Giants made their pick. The New York running back quote-tweeted the post saying, "Back with my Dawg!!! Proud of him and his journey !! Great pick up."

If Tracy Jr. already enjoyed rushing behind the Giants’ offensive line last year, he’ll be thrilled to have his college-turned-NFL teammate Mbow blocking for him in 2025.

Not only did Tracy Jr. react to the pick on X, but veteran quarterback Russell Wilson also congratulated Mbow, quote-tweeting the Giants’ post announcing the selection. That caught the attention of Mbow’s mother, who replied:

“Hey Russell! Marcus’s mom here! We are all so thrilled that Marcus will be playing with you. Thanks for the call today! I am the biggest fan of your wife, btw!! I’ve been loving Ciara since my 20s!”

With Wilson and Tracy Jr. welcoming him on social media, Mbow could not have had a better introduction to New York. Not only should his new teammates be fired up about the addition, but Giants fans should be thrilled to see Mbow headed to Big Blue.