Ranking the Centers: Mangold is No. 1

Mangold uses quick hands and a deceptively strong initial pop to maintain body positioning at the point of attack. He lacks great lateral quickness and agility on the second level. He doesn't have great natural strength to anchor versus powerful bull-rushers but uses pad level and technique to keep larger defenders at bay.

He is athletic enough to slam and chip to the second level and stay connected with his target. He is effective in space and keeps his pads over his feet well when blocking downfield. He can anchor in the middle against powerful bull-rushers and has the quickness and range to make blocks on the perimeter.

. He plays with active hands and understands angles. He is quick to react to stunts and twists and is rarely out of position as plays develop. He plays with consistent pad level and is an excellent technician considering his youth.

He has above-average initial quickness and short-area agility. He does a good job of getting a fit with his hands and steering opponents on by the pocket in pass protection. He is a smart center who understands blocking angles and is quick to recognize stunts and twists up front. He is a competitive blocker who works hard to finish blocks off and plays with an attitude.

He is an excellent technician and knows how to leverage blocks by keeping his pad level down and is a pretty good knee bender as he works to get under his opponent's pads. He shows excellent effort and competitiveness and does a good job of finishing his blocks off. He is most effective when he's facing an even front, as he can chip off double teams to work his way up to the second level to block linebackers.