The newest Jets offensive lineman is a big fan of one of the greatest linemen in franchise history.
Pat Elflein, who started his first game with New York last week after being claimed off waivers, said former Jets center and seven-time Pro Bowler Nick Mangold is an “inspiration,” according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini.
“I’ve heard nothing but good things about him,” Elflein added.
Elflein, who is from Ohio and attended Ohio State University, said he grew up watching Mangold during his time playing with the Buckeyes in the early 2000s and then with the Jets from 2006-2016. Elflein himself graduated from OSU in 2017, a year after Mangold left the Jets, and was a third-round pick by the Vikings that year.
The last line seemed uncalled for even if it’s probably true 🤣🤣 https://t.co/5ascCNpgAF
— Nick Mangold (@nickmangold) December 5, 2020
Elflein’s career has only just begun in New York. He started in place of left guard Alex Lewis and will likely start again after the Jets placed Lewis on the non-football injury list. Elflein didn’t play particularly well in Week 12 – he finished with a 43.0 Pro Football Focus grade. He only gave up one pressure, but all three of the sacks the Jets allowed came from the interior of the offensive line.
This week, Elflein and the rest of the offensive line will face a Raiders defense that ranks 31st in sacks with just 12 on the season. Half of those are thanks to defensive end Maxx Crosby.
With no timetable for Lewis’ return, Elflein will need to acclimate quickly to the Jets blocking schemes. He’s already been acquainted with Mekhi Becton, who plays right next to Elflein on the left side. Like Mangold, Elflein had nothing but glowing remarks for the Jets’ first-round rookie.
“He’s a very big man,” Elflein said, per SNY. “He’s smart. He’s athletic. That dude is gonna be, and is right now, a very, very good football player.”