[OSUBasketballJunkie]

DDN

2/14/06

Mangold could move into NFL's first round

By Doug Harris
Dayton Daily News

Ohio State is expected to have at least three players taken in the first round of the NFL draft in April, and center Nick Mangold is doing his best to beef up that number.

The second-team All-Big Ten pick received rave reviews at the Senior Bowl last month, surprising scouts with his mobility and power.

Draft experts Jerry Jones and Mel Kiper Jr. are among those who consider Mangold the top center available, rating him ahead of Minnesota All-American Greg Eslinger.

"I appreciate it whenever anyone says I've done well or I'm moving up," said Mangold, who is preparing for the NFL Combine, which begins Feb. 22. "Hopefully, that helps in the draft — because none of those guys are doing any picking."

Jones, who has published the Drugstore List of draft projections for 29 years, believes Mangold will be a first-round choice.

"He's a leader-type kid," Jones said. "He's very thorough. He understands the game. He's got good instincts. And he's a technician.

"He's a good run-blocker and is developing into a good pass protector, and at (ground-oriented) Ohio State, that's not an easy thing to do."

In its Senior Bowl summary, The Sporting News said Mangold "has the talent to start as a rookie."

OSU linebacker A.J. Hawk and receiver Santonio Holmes are considered sure first-rounders, while cornerback Ashton Youboty and linebacker Bobby Carpenter also could be among the top 32 picks.

Miami (Fla.) set the record for first-rounders from one school with six in 2004. The Hurricanes also had five in 2002, matching the previous mark set by Southern Cal in 1968.

The Buckeyes' best showing came in 1971 when Tim Anderson, John Brockington, Leo Hayden and Jack Tatum were chosen in the opening round.