Jim Mankins (College Stats) - 1966 NFL Draft Pick #184 by GB
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Jim Mankins (1966 NFL Draft)
Player Overview:
Jim Mankins, an offensive tackle from the University of Iowa, entered the 1966 NFL Draft with a solid college career showcasing his potential as a professional player. Known for his size, strength, and technical skills, Mankins was projected to be a valuable addition to any NFL team looking to bolster their offensive line.
College Stats:
- Position: Offensive Tackle
- College: University of Iowa
- Years Active: 1962-1965
- Games Played: 32
- Notable Achievements:
- Two-time All-Big Ten selection
- Key contributor to Iowa's offensive line during bowl appearances
- Helped protect the quarterback and create running lanes
Strengths:
- Physicality: Mankins exhibited excellent strength on the field, allowing him to effectively engage and control defensive linemen.
- Footwork: His agility and footwork were above average for a player of his size, making him capable of executing blocks in both pass protection and run plays.
- Football IQ: Demonstrated a strong understanding of defensive schemes, allowing him to make quick adjustments and read plays effectively.
Areas for Improvement:
- Consistency: At times, Mankins struggled with maintaining a consistent level of play throughout games, particularly against faster edge rushers.
- Injury History: He had a minor injury during his junior year, which raised some concerns about durability, though he returned strong for his senior season.
Projected Draft Position:
Mankins was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 1966 NFL Draft, with teams valuing his potential to develop into a starting offensive tackle. Teams looking to enhance their offensive line depth were particularly interested in his skill set.
Conclusion:
Jim Mankins was viewed as a promising prospect with the potential to make an impact at the professional level. His combination of size, technique, and game experience made him a worthy candidate for NFL franchises looking to invest in their future offensive line.