[OSUBasketballJunkie]

DDN

1/28/06

ANALYSIS
All that glitters is Mangold

Alter, OSU star dominates foes in Senior Bowl practice

By Carlos Holmes
For the Dayton Daily News

MOBILE, Ala . | During the week of practice at the Senior Bowl here, Ohio State All-American and Centerville native Nick Mangold handled his business like Tony Soprano, putting the smackdown on his opponents and impressing NFL scouts with his physical play and overall technique and ability at center.

Mangold was a beast in the middle of the North squad's offensive line during one-on-one drills Wednesday. He manhandled Oklahoma's star defensive tackle, Dusty Dvoracek, with relative ease.

If that wasn't enough to get the scouts attention, he pancaked Michigan's mammoth defensive tackle Gabe Watson, who came in at 6-foot-3, 341-pounds. The former Buckeye and Wolverine battled back and forth throughout the week. Mangold admitted after one practice that Watson had been his toughest opponent.

Mangold is known for being a devastating run blocker but showed scouts his ability to pass-block. He blew guys off the ball and anchored like a rock during pass protection. He sustained his blocks downfield, punishing defenders.

Mangold mauled Oklahoma linebacker Clint Ingram, who took exception to the play, and a brief altercation between the two broke out. Again, Mangold stood his ground.

He should see his NFL draft stock on the rise. He met with a number of teams, including the Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers.

Mangold said he had not yet met with the Bengals, but said he would have his fingers crossed.

When asked if he was worried about where he would land in the draft, Mangold was direct. "Not really," he said. "After watching enough guys go through it ... you will kill yourself if you try to worry about it. Besides, I would like to live a couple more years."