OVERVIEW

While opposing coaches call Mankins the smartest blocker in the Western Athletic Conference, opposing players regard him as one of the most competitive and aggressive blockers in the nation. Hailing from a small lumberjack town, Mankins rivals only Paul Bunyan when it comes to others telling stories of their encounters with this technically sound blocker.

Called the "most technically sound lineman" in the collegiate ranks by The NFL Draft Report, that service compares him favorably with former Green Bay Packers great, Jerry Kramer. Mankins shows good form and technique setting his base. He has enough quickness and kick slide to mirror and is especially effective at sealing the corner since moving to the left side.

Mankins was an all-area and team MVP at Mariposa (Calif.) High School. He joined the Fresno State program 2000 and was granted a redshirt. He moved into the starting lineup at right tackle in 2001, earning All-Mountain West Conference honors as he only allowed two sacks while protecting QB David Carr, who broke several FSU passing records that year.

He again started every game in 2002, despite playing in his final three contests with an ankle sprain. A torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during 2003 fall drills would sideline him for the season. He returned to action in 2004 and emerged as one of the best left tackles in college football. Mankins did not allow a sack, tackle or pressure in three games, graded over 90 percent for blocking consistency, set a school single-season record with 82 knockdown blocks and did not allow any opponent to get to the quarterback.

ANALYSIS

Positives: Has a wide frame with a barrel chest, good bubble, wide hips, thick thighs and calves … His frame is built more like an offensive guard's and has more room for further development … Known for his toughness and aggression, Mankins will play though pain … Has an athletic, wide frame, with excellent feet, good balance, and ankle/knee bend … Shows good functional speed on pulls and traps … Plays at a high intensity level and shows tremendous toughness on the field … Has good playing strength and flexibility for left tackle, but his size dictates a possible move to guard in the pros … Has enough short-area quickness to get off the snap on running plays to hook the defensive ends … Shows a quick first step vs. the pass rush and good agility moving to his size … Has the natural footwork and short area quickness to slide and sink … Quick to redirect and uses his leg drive effectively to hold ground vs. stunts and blitzes … His natural knee bend allows him to keep in a good football position most of the time … Finds a way to stay on his feet, shows very good balance and you rarely ever see him on the ground … Not only can he generate good pop and explosion, but he also demonstrates great hand placement and balance … Flashes ability to kick and slide with decent quickness and can mirror (seems better on the left than right side) … Displays the ability to anchor, slide and adjust to the speed rush … Has very good balance, even when he occasionally bends at the waist … His base and foot movement allow him to seal off the edge rush … Along with his balance and feet, his hand placement and punch are very good for the guard position … Has good functional strength coming off the ball, getting his hands into the defender's chest on the rise, to lock on and steer … His quick first step off the ball allows him to gain advantage … Has the size and strength to move the larger defenders off the ball and plays with an almost perfect base and pad level … His active hands prove very beneficial when he works them to switch on stunts.

Negatives: When working upfield, he looks a little heavy-footed, but manages to get to his target … He looks intense and very athletic when pulling, but he tends to throw his hands at a defender a little early, at times … Lacks the sustained speed to consistently get out in front on pulls and needs to do a better job of taking proper blocking angles when working upfield … Struggles when getting into the second level, as he does not have the speed to get in front of the linebacker … Plays with good aggression, but it will get the best of him at times, resulting in a high amount of personal foul penalties … Might scare off a team or two due to his 2003 injury … Gets his base too narrow when on the move, losing balance and failing to sustain vs. counter moves.

INJURY REPORT

2002: Bothered during the season's last three games vs. San Jose State (11/23), Louisiana Tech (12/05) and Georgia Tech (12/31, in the Music City Bowl) with a high ankle sprain, but still played in each game.

2003: Sat out the season after he tore the ACL in his left knee during fall drills (8/15). The injury occurred in a pileup during a scrimmage at Bulldog Stadium. Mankins said he "heard something pop" midway through the scrimmage but continued playing, unaware of the injury. The knee stiffened considerably overnight and surgery was performed.

AGILITY

CAMPUS: 5.2 in the 40-yard dash … 410-pound bench press … 635-pound squat … 400-pound power clean … 6-foot-9 broad jump.
COMBINE: 5.1 in the 40-yard dash … 3.02 20-yard dash … 1.82 10-yard dash … 4.44 20-yard shuttle … 7.52 three-cone drill … 31½-inch vertical jump … 7-foot-11 broad jump … Bench pressed 225 pounds 21 times … 33 3/8-inch arm length … 11 3/8-inch hands.

HIGH SCHOOL

Attended Mariposa (Catheys Valley, Calif.) High School … Named all-league and his team's MVP.

PERSONAL

Agriculture Education major … Enjoys roping and hunting … Son of Jill and Tim Mankins … Born March 10, 1982 … Resides in Catheys Valley, Calif.

Profile by NFLDraftScout.com