Should Dolphins draft Purdue OL Marcus Mbow? Here's how he'd fit
The offensive lineman who might be a fit for the Miami Dolphins in Round 2 never would have guessed it not long ago.
While growing up, Marcus Mbow was more interested in basketball than football.
He wasn’t going to be the next Trent Williams. No. He was going to be the next Derrick Rose.
“Always wanted to be a point guard,” Mbow said. “But my size didn’t allow it.”
Eventually, the football coach at Mbow’s high school convinced him that maybe he had a future in football. But even that was half the battle. Just as Mbow wanted the ball in his hands to create that great assist or hit that big three-pointer, he had dreams of what he could do on the football field, with the ball in his hands.
Mbow’s size wouldn’t allow that, either.
Offensive line was his calling — even if he does still dream of landing on an NFL field with the ball in his hands someday.
“You wouldn’t be disappointed,” Mbow said.
Should the Dolphins draft Purdue OL Marcus Mbow?
Most projections have Mbow coming off the board around pick No. 48, which happens to be where the Dolphins have their second-round selection.
In terms of value, Mbow and the Dolphins might be a fit.
In terms of need, they might be a fit as well, especially if the Dolphins think Mbow can be effective at guard. Although the Dolphins have Patrick Paul and Austin Jackson pegged as their starting tackles, depending on whether Terron Armstead returns, they have question marks at guard.
How big is Marcus Mbow?
He checked in at the NFL Combine at 6-foot-4 and 303 pounds.
Where did Marcus Mbow attend high school?
Wauwatosa (Wisc.) East High.
Where did Marcus Mbow attend college?
Purdue. He originally committed to Arizona before the school pulled its offer.
How did Marcus Mbow perform for the Boilermakers?
He appeared in 36 games, starting 32, playing guard and tackle.
He was a three-time All-Big Ten honorable mention selection.
In 2024, as a junior, he earned a 77.2 run block grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking fifth among Big Ten tackles. He allowed just one sack in 306 pass blocking opportunities in conference play.
He helped a run game that had four games of at least 200 yards.
He majored in law and society.
In 2021, he redshirted but appeared in four games as a backup.
In 2022, he started all 14 games at right guard.
In 2023, he started six games at right guard, then was out with a leg injury.
Marcus Mbow scouting report
NFL.com gives him a 6.25 grade, “eventually average starter.”
Analyst Lance Zierlein wrote:
“What Mbow lacks in desired size and mass, he makes up for with athleticism, hustle and elite instincts. He is likely to head back home to guard after two years manning right tackle for Purdue. He’s a free-flowing athlete with the ability to create chunk-run opportunities with blocks on the second level or in space, but he’s also willing to swap paint with aggressive first contact. His tendency to let his hands drift outside and a lack of mass could be early stumbling blocks in both blocking phases. Mbow’s smarts and athleticism should help upgrade an offensive line-needy team that utilizes a move-blocking scheme.”
What was the turning point for Marcus Mbow?
When Dave Pfeiffer took the job as football coach at Mbow's high school, he couldn’t help but notice Mbow on the basketball court and dream of his potential in football.
“God’s given you a gift, big boy,” Pfeiffer told him, according to The Athletic. “Don’t mess this up. I know you love basketball, but you could be pretty good at this.”
Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached at hhabib@pbpost.com. Follow him on social media @gunnerhal. Click here to subscribe.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins' NFL draft needs: Does Purdue OL Marcus Mbow fit?
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