A New York Jets franchise legend, Nick Mangold, remembered his own draft as the team prepares to make new memories Thursday night.
No matter what happens during the first round of the 2021 NFL draft (8 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC/NFL Network), the New York Jets can rest knowing they drafted a franchise legend on April 29.
Nick Mangold commemorated the Jets’ modern selections by remembering his own, as Thursday marks the 15th anniversary of the 2006 NFL Draft. The Ohio State center was chosen 29th overall out of Ohio and took viewers on a journey through time via photograph.
It begins with a practice photo from Columbus (in which Mangold refers to himself as a “young whippersnapper”) before showcasing two photos from his Jets days, one of which comes from his appearance at the 2014 Pro Bowl.
On this day, 15 years ago, this young whippersnapper from @OhioStateFB was drafted by the @nyjets. What a ride it has been! #ThrowbackThursday pic.twitter.com/Ku9YjYyAgr
— Nick Mangold (@nickmangold) April 29, 2021
Mangold would go on to start 164 games over 11 seasons with the Jets, all of them alongside fellow first-round pick D’Brickashaw Ferguson. The pair would combine to appear in ten Pro Bowls while Mangold would also earn nominations on two All-Pro squads.
New York also enjoyed its most recent pair of playoff berths, each of which ended in the AFC title game in 2010 and 2011.
“What a ride it has been!” Mangold declares at the end of his post.
Unfortunately for the Jets, they’ve been on a different kind of ride since Mangold played his last down in 2016.
Mangold was the last offensive lineman chosen by the Jets in the first round until Louisville tackle Mekhi Becton went to them 11th overall last season. Many expect the Jets to continue shattering that trend as the draft continues through the weekend as they seek to provide protection for presumed second overall choice Zach Wilson from BYU.
Further first round choices out of Ohio State have likewise failed to recapture that Mangold magic in New York, as defensive prospects Vernon Gholston (2008) and Darron Lee (2016) quickly fell out of favor.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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