If there’s one position battle that’s been brewing with intensity in New York Giants training camp this summer, it’s the fight for left tackle—and boy, it’s not lacking in drama or determination.
Andrew Thomas, the team’s elite All-Pro left tackle, remains sidelined on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, still recovering from the nasty Lisfranc injury that ended his 2024 campaign after just six games. His absence has opened the floodgates for competition, with multiple names now gunning for snaps and a shot at proving their worth.
But let’s be real—this situation didn’t exactly sneak up on the Giants.
Injury History Forces Depth Move
After watching Thomas suit up for only 16 of the last 34 possible games, general manager Joe Schoen knew it was time to act. With the franchise cornerstone still nursing his foot back to health, the front office padded the depth chart during the offseason.
The Giants signed veteran tackles James Hudson III and Stone Forsythe, both known for their reliability and grit in rotational roles. Then came the wild card—rookie Marcus Mbow, selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
It’s a savvy mix of veteran grit and youthful upside. And with Thomas out of the picture—at least for now—the battle for left tackle reps has transformed into one of the most intense subplots of camp.
James Hudson III: The Gritty Enforcer
If you’ve been paying attention at all, you’ve heard James Hudson’s name pop up. And not just for his blocking.
Hudson has been making noise—literally—by bringing an aggressive edge to the field. He’s earned both praise and reprimands from coaches after engaging in a few practice scuffles. But while some head coaches might roll their eyes at that kind of extracurricular energy, Brian Daboll sees it differently.
“I love it, for an offensive lineman,” Daboll said last week. “You’re always looking for offensive linemen that bring an edge.”
He added a note of caution, though:
“We’ve got to be smart. What’s it going to be in the fourth quarter when things get tough and somebody shoves you and pushes you? Are you able to have the emotional maturity to focus on the next play?”
That’s Daboll’s way of saying: Bring the fire—but don’t burn the house down. Hudson clearly has the tools. Now, it’s about proving he can channel that aggression into performance, not penalties.
Marcus Mbow: Rookie with Veteran Confidence
Don’t sleep on Marcus Mbow, either. This rookie isn’t just here to make up numbers—he’s gunning for a legit role, and he’s got the mindset of a pro already.
“It’s going well. I love it—playing football. You can’t beat it,” Mbow said with a big smile after Sunday’s practice. “Just being able to go against better competition day in and day out is one of the main reasons I looked forward to becoming a pro.”
What stands out about Mbow? Versatility. He can line up pretty much anywhere on the line, which makes him invaluable when depth charts get scrambled. Whether it’s on the right or left, inside or outside—he’s showing he’s ready.
“I’ve been playing the right side the past couple of years,” Mbow said. “But I really just go wherever Coach Carm tells me to. At the end of the day, I’m going to do what he says.”
That kind of coachability, combined with raw talent, is why some within the organization believe Mbow could be a starter sooner rather than later.
Don’t Forget Stone Forsythe
It’s easy to forget Stone Forsythe, the quiet pro in this group. He doesn’t generate headlines like Hudson’s fights or Mbow’s rookie buzz, but Forsythe brings something just as valuable—stability.
He’s been in the league long enough to know the grind. And with swing tackle being such a crucial role—one injury can shuffle the whole line—Forsythe may end up being the team’s most important insurance policy.
The Big Picture: Sorting Out the Depth
Here’s the fun part: the Giants might finally have real, competent depth on the offensive line. For a franchise that’s battled O-line woes for years, that’s no small feat.
With Thomas sidelined, we’re getting a rare, extended look at what the future might hold—and honestly, it doesn’t look too shabby.
Key takeaways from camp so far:
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Hudson is bringing the grit, but he needs to dial it in emotionally.
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Mbow looks like a fast riser who could earn a starting role by midseason if things break right.
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Forsythe might not get the headlines, but he’s a smart, dependable pro who understands his role.
Swing tackle is an underrated but essential piece in today’s NFL. And based on early camp impressions, the Giants could be three deep with legit contenders.
What Happens When Thomas Returns?
That’s the million-dollar question.
Andrew Thomas is still the guy—an elite blindside protector with All-Pro credentials. But his durability is officially a concern now, and the Giants can’t afford to gamble on his health anymore.
Once Thomas is cleared to return, expect the shuffling to begin. Mbow may slide inside to guard. Hudson could move to the right. Forsythe may take over the primary swing role. Or—if any of the three dominate over the next few weeks—the coaching staff might have a tougher decision than expected.
The Final Word
Training camp battles are usually fun side plots, but this one? It’s got real implications.
The Giants need to know who their Plan B is at left tackle, and this year, they’re lucky enough to have more than one viable option. Whether it’s Hudson’s fight, Mbow’s versatility, or Forsythe’s veteran presence, there’s plenty to watch in the coming weeks.
So, keep your eyes on those trenches. There’s a war going on—and it might just shape the entire 2025 Giants season.
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