New York Jets ultimate starting lineup – offense

Center: Nick Mangold

The Jets have had great success at the center position in recent years. In the Bill Parcells era they had Kevin Mawae and that led to our choice, Nick Mangold. He edged out Mawae after spending his entire career in the green and white. Starting with Chad Pennington and going through the days of Ryan Fitzpatrick, Mangold was there to lead the way for the offense. His being around was a big help to the development of Mark Sanchez.

Mangold’s success with the team is well-documented. He was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times. He was a first team All-Pro two years in a row (2009-2010). He also was consistent, starting 164 games he was active for. After being drafted in 2006, he didn’t miss one until 2011. The man with the beard was consistent and he was durable. Through multiple regimes he was the constant everyone on offense could look to.

For more than a decade, Nick Mangold was among the best the NFL had to offer. His battles with Vince Wilfork were the best to watch during Patriots-Jets games. When he would miss a game his value would appear and then some. The Jets line would fall apart. They could do nothing without him under center. He must be on this team. For it to succeed they need Mangold to hold them together.