Will Nick Mangold Play Center For Jacksonville In 2017?
By Larry Brake
The Jacksonville Jaguars are moving Brandon Linder back to play guard. Will the Jaguars sign Nick Mangold to play center in 2017?
On June first, Brandon Linder confirmed to the press that he was taking more offensive snaps at guard. If the Jacksonville Jaguars are moving Linder back to guard, who will play center? Free agent Nick Mangold would be the perfect candidate.
Because of the Branden Albert holdout, maybe Doug Marrone is moving Linder to left guard. Moving Linder to play next to rookie Cam Robinson would be a solid move. Linder began his Jaguars career playing guard.
If Linder’s move is permanent, who will snap the ball to Blake Bortles? Bortles has had a different player snapping the ball each of his first three seasons. Luke Bowanko, Stefen Wisniewski, and Linder have been the starter since 2014.
Currently, Bowanko is still on the Jaguars roster. Seems like news would filter out that Bowanko was getting the majority of snaps at center. Is it possible that Jacksonville may bring in someone before camp starts?
Will Nick Mangold Be The Jaguars Center In 2017?
First, Mangold would be the right guy to mold the young linemen into a cohesive unit. He has been to seven Pro Bowls and named All Pro twice. His experience and maturity would be an awesome presence in the Jaguar locker room.
Next, Mangold had a season ending ankle injury in 2016. He played in eight games. From 2006 through 2015, he missed only four games. He has proven his durability through the years and the Jaguars could use him.
Finally, Mangold has drawn some interest but has not signed with any team, so far. Tyler Calavaruso of jetswire.usatoday.com reports on May 7:
"Former New York Jets center Nick Mangold has not found a new home since being released back in February, but he still has his sights set on playing in 2017.All he needs is someone to give him a chance to suit up.“I’m just rehabbing, trying to get right, trying to get ready,” Mangold told Newsday while at former teammate Willie Colon’s charity golf outing for Lupus research."
The Jaguars should sign Mangold and further upgrade the offensive line. This would help the running game and help protect Bortles. Come on Jacksonville, give the guy a chance!