Miami Dolphins: Should Nick Mangold be seriously considered?
Despite reports the Miami Dolphins are not interested in former Jets center Nick Mangold, he should at least be a consideration.
According to everything we’ve heard out of the team, the Miami Dolphins believe they are set at the center position. Mike Pouncey is their All-Pro starter with Anthony Steen behind him. And Kraig Urbik or Ted Larsen remain as a possibe emergency option.
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Due to Pouncey’s health concerns and a complete lack of depth on the interior line, however, that just isn’t good enough. Nonetheless, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald has reiterated that the team is not interested in former New York Jet Pro-Bowler Nick Mangold.
Granted, Mangold is no longer the elite talent he once was. He’s not lost a step, but maybe two or three. Still, he’s a serviceable veteran who could be fill in as a much needed backup to an oft-injured Pouncey. Not only is he coming off major hip surgery, Pouncey missed 11 games last season and hasn’t played a full 16-game season since 2012. That makes it tough to have full faith him being an option week in and week out.
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If the Dolphins find two solid offensive guards this year, not only will they be a terror in the AFC, but it will be a god send. I have a ton of faith in this team for 2017, however, my faith waivers when it comes to a consistently strong interior line.
With that said, in the unlikely event they do find two above average guards, it would be disastrous if they had to turn to a makeshift line moving one of them to center because Pouncey is sidelined. This is exactly why they should grab Mangold who they can just plug right in if needed.
If perhaps there is an issue we don’t know about with Mangold like an injury or something else, they should be exploring other options heading into the summer. Currently there is just not enough depth on the interior line, especially if Pouncey is to fall to injury once again.
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The Dolphins certainly hope Pouncey stays healthy and has a great season, a smart regime would prepare for the worst case scenario. Adding a proven veteran such as Mangold accomplishes that.