Name: Jaden Mangham
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 195 lbs.
High school: Birmingham (MI) Groves
Position: Safety
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #3
Last year: I ranked Mangham #42 and said he would be a backup safety (LINK). He played in one game.
TTB Rating: N/A
Mangham was a starter at Michigan State, and I expected him to play a key backup role in 2024. Instead, he played in one game on special teams and then disappeared for the rest of the year. Michigan did have good options at safety and Mangham was able to preserve a redshirt, giving him two remaining years. He was reportedly injured, which explains his disappearance.
Now Mangham should be a key backup for real. Both Makari Paige and Quinten Johnson departed after last season, and while the coaching staff brought in defensive back transfers, they look more likely to contribute at nickel and corner. Mangham could even be a starter, depending on the uncertain health of Rod Moore. I have Moore and Brandyn Hillman penciled in as starters at safety, but if Moore does start, I think the coaches will limit the number of snaps he gets.
Prediction: Part-time starting safety
a year ago I was intrigued. Let's hope Mangham can get out there and make some noise
ReplyDeleteYep it's hard to know where Mangham will fit because of the injuries with him and Moore. The proven starter thing goes for Metcalf and him as well. And then you've got Hillman and Curtis as proven talent as well.
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot of fluidity on the back end but it's going to be real interesting to watch how the starters and rotation sort out in camp and the first few weeks. Front 7 seems MOSTLY sorted with some clear starters and backups but DB and especially the safety/nickel spots seem TBD. Nonetheless, many great options.