The countdown of my top 25 AFC East players continues, one weekday at a time ...
Mankins About the choice: How dominant was Logan Mankins at left guard for the New England Patriots? He didn't report to the Patriots until Week 9 because of a contract dispute, but still was selected first-team All-Pro and voted a Pro Bowl starter. Five of running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis' best games (based on yards) came after Mankins rejoined the team. The Patriots averaged 112.7 rushing yards without Mankins last season and 131.6 with him.
Key fact: Mankins played tackle at Fresno State, and despite the move inside has started all 89 games he has played in his NFL career.
Hint about No. 5: His college head coach doesn't have a job anymore.
Previous picks:
7. Jerod Mayo, Patriots inside linebacker
8. Cameron Wake, Dolphins outside linebacker
9. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Jets left tackle
10. Santonio Holmes, Jets receiver
11. Kyle Williams, Bills defensive tackle
12. Brandon Marshall, Dolphins receiver
13. David Harris, Jets inside linebacker
14. Devin McCourty, Patriots cornerback
15. Wes Welker, Patriots receiver
16. Karlos Dansby, Dolphins linebacker
17. Fred Jackson, Bills running back
18. Sebastian Vollmer, Patriots right tackle
19. Steve Johnson, Bills receiver
20. Vontae Davis, Dolphins cornerback
21. Bart Scott, Jets inside linebacker
22. Randy Starks, Dolphins defensive lineman
23. Dustin Keller, Jets tight end
24. Kendall Langford, Dolphins defensive end
25. Rob Gronkowski, Patriots tight end