NE_Paddy

One name I have not heard mentioned in draft rumours (apologies if it actually has and I've just missed it) is Nick Mangold, Ohio State Center.

Think about it...

Dan Koppen is thought unlikely to be here beyond this coming season, so we need to start planning for life beyond DK.

I have heard a number of draftniks saying he's widely regarded as the second best over-all OL in the draft (better even than Winston Justice).

One or two mocks have him going as high as 14 to Philly. But most have him down at 32 or thereabouts.

The Ohio State guys say the Pats have had a million scouts down there way looking at a number of different players. So I'm sure they've at least looked at him.

He will probably be on the board when we select.

Now, I'm firmly in the 'Take Bobby Carpenter' Camp, but I really wouldn't be surprised to see Nick Mangold called at 21. Especially considering the fact that we haven't even heard his name speculated yet.

Any thoughts?

(We might also be able to trade down and get him)

BelichickFan

There's some talk here :

How About OL ?

Boston Boxer

i would love to have Mangold at #21...that would fit the "I cant believe we drafted that guy in the first" statement of 2006. He would be a great add IMO

NE_Paddy

HaHa! I knew it was too good an idea for someone not to have thought of it before me!

patsfan55

i posted on a thread a while back that i would not be surprised if they took him, for the same reasons you listed
(as well as the fact we dont know how koppen will come back from injury)

he is a nasty c and would be a very good pick
although id still say there are other players that have a higher likelihood of us taking them at 21

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BelichickFan

The intriguing thing about it is that both our OL and DL starters would be signed through at least 2009 (assuming they like Kaczur as a starter).

My gut feeling, though, is they'll take a Center like Chester or Cook (although I'm not sure he's a long term starter at C given his height) a little later as protection against Koppen leaving in 2007 or not being ready in 2006. We already know that Hochstein can start if necessary.

nickw308810

I think the pick would only make sense if they plan on moving Mankins outside to RT. Then you can lineup Light, Mangold, Koppen, Neal, Mankins. I definitely wouldn't mind that as our OL.

bucky

Is it just my imagination, or have I read somewhere that Mankins can play any OL position including C? Because if he can, that certainly removes the need to draft a C and allows us to draft the best available OL at some point in the middle rounds.

b_btrick

Um, did I miss something somewhere?
Why is Dan not expected to be here past next year? I understand he still has to come back from last years injury, however I had thought he was happy and doing well enough to be resigned.
Is it just an expectation that he will ask to much? Wants to play someplace else? What?
This is just something I hadnt heard before.

BelichickFan

The "talk" among fans is that he'd like to go home to Philly. Is there any truth to it ? Hell if I know. But like with all Patriots, until he's re-signed, we need to consider possible replacements.