ABuccsFan

My wish list for draft day is topped by Nick mangold, C The Ohio State University. When ever you can get the best player at his position at pick #23 in the draft, you're getting great value. John Wade has been servicable during his tenure as a Tampa bay Buccaneer. He isn't too old at 31 years, but I felt he was a little too abused last season, and saw him getting pushed around a bit too much. Left Tackle is the most important part physically along the offensive line, but the Center position is the brains of the operation. How can a guy concentrate who's been getting slapped around all game. It's time to get younger, stronger and more physical at the position. We may not be in position to get a guy like Mangold nexy year or the year after. The time is now to shore up the Center position. Our entire line will have 5 years or less in the league. This unit can be one that will grow together and hopefullt dominate for the next 10 years. Teams like Denver and Kansas City have had O-lines I have been jealous of. It's our turn. Make it happen Buccs.

pumzy

#23 IMO is a bit high for taking mangold. he may be the best at his position, but at that pick I can't imagine he'll be the BPA.... so unless the bucs REALLY want a center and don't feel they have any other needs, mangold won't be the pick

ABuccsFan

What I have seen in previous years, is the center postion no matter who the draft prospect is usually gets no love amongst mock drafts, and pre draft conversationalists. Then come draft day the top guy will always get picked in the bottom third of round when draft day rolls around. I personally feel the Center position is as valuable or more than the guard position. Mangold won't make it to the bottom thrid of round two. Like I said in my original post, whenever you can get the best guy at his position that late in the round, I think it's value. Now we all know how the draft has a way of spinning out of control and things go way off track from what people think. I can see the Buccs drafting a DE if a couple of the good ones drop because of boneheaded earlier picks by teams ahead of the Buccs.

pumzy

on the contrary, I have seen several mock drafts that have mangold going in the 1st round, just not as high as #23. he may well go in the 1st, but probably not until bottom 5

ABuccsFan

Which of those bottom 5 need a center?????

Professor

i think mangold will go with the steelers at the end of the first or with the jets second pick of the first to replace mawae, he can also play guard

pumzy

I have seen a couple mocks with him going to the jets at #29, which would make sense after losing kevin mawae

ABuccsFan

Good point about about the JETS and Mawae, I forgot about him. But I believe the Buccs go(no particular order) DE<BAP>, Lutui, or mangold at #23.

Professor

lutui, I think could be had in the second.

ABuccsFan

Maybe. He won't be there at #55, and the Buccs covet him, and with his ability to play Right Tackle well enough. The Buccs and myself believe he is being under valued by the so-called "draft-Gurus."