American Sports Thread

[GY Joe]

I was on here a few months ago espousing the virtues of the Boston Celtics.. It was more in hope than evidence despite their NBA best start at the beginning of the season. Now at the business end, I am delighted to say that they are even better than anybody thought..
They just beat San Antonio (The champs) and Houston (22 wins in a row before last night) and have Dallas to come in the toughest road trip EVER in the Texas Triangle (Rated by many)

The GREEN MACHINE IS BACK
Celtics 94, Rockets 74
(AP)
Breaking news: Celtics end it
The Celtics sent the hot Rockets back to earth last night. The second-longest winning streak in NBA history - 22 games - ended when the Celtics brought down the Rockets, 94-74, at the Toyota Center, handing Houston its first loss since Jan. 27. (Boston Globe, 12 a.m.)

[thejuice]

Anyone keeping an eye on the NFL draft, I havent myself really, plenty going on in the GAA NFL right now.
Would anyone be so kind to give me a run down on who's the movers and shakers this year.

[AZOffaly]

It's a slow enough draft in terms of the 'skills' positions this year. A lot of the top prospects are defensive ends or tackle or linebackers, and offensive linemen. The current sort of top 5 projections are looking at only Arkansas Running back (1,807 yards in 2007) and maybe Matt Ryan (QB - Boston College) as being in there as skills players.
The other players up there on most boards are Virginia DE Chris Long, Michigan Tackle Jake Long, Glenn Dorsey, DT from Louisiana State and Ryan Clady, an Offensive Tackle from Boise State.

I was reading a mock draft on cbssportline.com where this is the first round picks (assuming no trades, which there will be)

1. Miami Dolphins - Chris Long, Defensive End, Virginia to bolster the D line and help out Jason Taylor.
2. Saint Louis Rams - Jake Long, Offensive Tackle, Michigan
3. Atlanta Falcons - Glenn Dorsey, Defensive Tackle, Louisiana State. They might go for Ryan (QB) instead, but the feeling is they need to shore up the run defense.
4. Oakland Raiders - Darren McFadden, Running Back, Arkansas. The only skill player in the top 5 of this mock, they reckon the Raiders will take him to give them a geniune RB.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Ryan Clady, Offensive Tackle, Boise State. Will be picked to shore up the useless Chiefs line.

6. New York Jets - Vernon Gholston, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State. Will be drafted as a pass rushing Linebacker, and also has the speed to cover receivers in the slot.
7. New England Patriots (trade with San Francisco) - Leodis McKelvin, Cornerback, Troy State. They've lost Asante Samuel, so need a good corner.
8. Baltimore Ravens - Matt Ryan, Quarterback, Boston College - He may not fall so far, so the Ravens may need to trade, or Atlanta may pick him.
9. Cincinatti Bengals - Sedrick Ellis - Defensive Tackle, USC. - They need help on the run stop.
10. New Orleans Saints - Keith Rivers - Outside Linebacker - USC, - Another fast, powerful linebacker who can blitz and cover.

Other than the top 10.

11. Buffalo - Malcolm Kelly, WR Oklahoma.
12. Denver - Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
13. Carolina - Derick Harvey, DE, Florida
14. Bears - Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
15. Lions - Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
16. Cardinals!!!!- Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, Cornerback, Tennessee State.
17. Vikings - Philip Merling - DE Clemson
18. Texans - Jonathan Stewart - RB Oregon
19. Eagles - Limas Sweed, WR Texas
20. Buccs - Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida
21. Redskins - Calais Campbell, DE Miami
22. Cowboys, (trade from Cleveland) - DeSean Jackson, WR California
23. Steelers Aqib Talib, CB Kansas
24. Titans - Devin thomas, WR Michigan State
25. Seahawks - Kentwan Balmer, DT North Carolina
26. Jaguars - Brenden Albert, Guard/Tackle Virginia
27. Chargers - Rashard Mendenhall, RB Illinois
28. Felix Jones - RB Arkansas
29. 49ers (from Colts) Early Doucet, WR, LSU
30. Antoine Carson, CB, Arizona
31. New England Patiots forfeit the pick (Bellichek-gate)
31. Giants, Kenny Philips, Safety Miami

[heganboy]

As I get older I get sadder and I spent a fair bit of time this year watching the combine. There may be a few surprises this year, some players did themselves huge favours at the combine that will see their positions shift, I'd say Jake Long may be one of the beneficiaries of this.

[thejuice]

Thanks AZ,

Just looking at the Falcons Im just wondering where are they going to even start. They have Joey Harrington  back at QB, which isnt a great start. Chris Redmen gave a glimmer of hope last season in one game. But yes the run-D was attrocious as well.

Any idea was Ryan Clady on the Boise State team that won the Bowl game against OU. That was one hell of a game.

[AZOffaly]

I'm sure he was. That was 06/07 wasn't it? I think he's a senior this year, so he was probably a junior back then.

[AZOffaly]

Here you go Juice. He was a redshirt Freshman in 04, played in 05, 06 and 07. 6' 6'' and 319 lbs (nearly 23 stone weight). That's a lot of beef on the hoof.


   
Ryan Clady
# 79
Offensive Tackle - OT
Height:    6-6     Weight:    319
Sophomore
Previous Affiliations
   Eisenhower HS
Hometown
   Rialto, CA
Printable Page
   
Courtesy: Boise State Sports Information
Release: 07/28/2006

COLLEGE - (2007) Named first-team All-America by the AFCA and the Sporting News, second-team All-America by the Walter Camp Football Foundation and SI.com and third-team All-America by Rivals.com...Named first-team All-Western Athletic Conference....Named Boise State's co-offensive lineman of the year...Key cog in the  Broncos offensive line that helped Boise State's offense finish the regular season ranked fifth in the country in scoring, sixth in passing efficiency, ninth in total offense and 31st in rushing offense...Named to the PLAYBOY All-America Football Team...Named preseason first-team All-America by the Sporting News and second-team All-America by Nationalchamps.net...Named to Outland Trophy and Rotary Lombardi Watch Lists...Picked as a member of the preseason All-WAC team by the Sporting News and Blue Ribbon Yearbook...



(2006) Named second-team All-America by SI.com...Named first-team All-WAC...Started all 13 games at left tackle for the Broncos...Had a dominating season that helped Boise State finish the season second in the nation in scoring (39.69 ppg), second in rushing touchdowns (39), sixth in the nation in rushing (214.15 ypg), and 10th in the nation in total offense (420.62 ypg), while leading the WAC in rushing and finishing second in scoring and third in total offense...Named to SI.com Midseason All-America first team and CollegeFootballNews.com second team...Named to the Outland Trophy Watch List...Named to The Sporting News and Blue Ribbon Preseason All-WAC Teams...



(2005) Named first-team Freshman All-America by ESPN.com, second-team Freshman All-America by Rivals.com and CollegeFootballNews.com and third-team Freshman All-America by the Sporting News...Started 11 of Boise State's 13 games at right tackle... Helped the Broncos finish ninth in the country in scoring (36.08), 19th in rushing (202.46) and fifth in rushing touchdowns (36)...



(2004) Redshirted for the Broncos...Originally signed with Boise State in February 2004.



HIGH SCHOOL - A 2004 graduate Eisenhower High School in Rialto, California...A first-team All-CVL selection, as well as a first-team All-County pick and a first-team All-CIF Division I honoree...Finished with 60 tackles, five sacks, and one fumble recovery...High school coach was Julius McChristian.



MAJOR - Communication

BOISE STATE VARSITY LETTERS EARNED - Two

[GalwayBayBoy]

Here is PFW's mock draft.

QB Ryan, OT Long still projected to go 1-2

By Nolan Nawrocki
March 15, 2008


The following mock draft was excerpted from PFW's soon-to-be-published 2008 Draft Preview book, with fresh commentary based on discussions with NFL sources.


1. Miami Dolphins — QB Matt Ryan, Boston College
The premium on the QB position gives Ryan an edge at the top spot. Jake McCown was signed to allow the Dolphins to compete from Day One, but expect Ryan to be in the starting lineup by season's end, a la JaMarcus Russell for the Raiders a year ago, after he builds some confidence and becomes familiar with the playbook.

2. St. Louis Rams — OLT Jake Long, Michigan
The Rams swung and missed on Alan Faneca in free agency and must find a way to keep the pocket clean for Marc Bulger to make Scott Linehan's offense go. With Orlando Pace aging and injury-prone, Long is a no-brainer. He could start at either right tackle or left guard from Day One and be prepared to take over for Pace when he retires.

3. Atlanta Falcons — DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU
The release of DT Rod Coleman created a void in the middle for Mike Smith's preferred 4-3 defense. Dorsey is a very safe pick for a first-time general manager.

4. Oakland Raiders — DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio State (Jr.)
Al Davis has been and always will be a numbers guy, and Darren McFadden will certainly remain in the mix after running a blistering 40 at the Combine. However, with Tommy Kelly kicking inside full time to replace Warren Sapp, Tyler Brayton departing in free agency and Derrick Burgess having only one year left on a contract that he has outplayed, Davis needs to give more serious thought to strengthening the defensive line. Considered by some longtime evaluators to be the most naturally gifted player in the draft, Gholston should benefit from an outstanding pro-day workout that could help solidify a top-five spot.

5. Kansas City Chiefs — OLT Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh
The Chiefs typically send a contingent of personnel executives to evaluate first-round selections, and their presence at Ryan Clady's workout was minimal. While the fifth overall slot seems very rich for Otah, his powerful style best fits Herm Edwards' preferred smashmouth style, as well as that of new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey.

6. New York Jets — OLB Chris Long, Virginia
Long brings tremendous versatility to a Jets defense that has lacked the versatile personnel required to seamlessly switch up their front the same way Eric Mangini did in New England.

7. New England Patriots (from San Francisco) — RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas (Jr.)
Fumbling issues can often be corrected, and Bill Belichick has proven he could take players with questionable character such as Corey Dillon and Randy Moss and manage them properly with the help of a strong veteran locker room of leaders. It may still prove to be too risky a proposition for the Pats, given McFadden's off-field transgressions and his loyalty to a family that has created trouble for him. However, Belichick and Scott Pioli are nonconformists who think outside the box and enjoy going against the grain, and McFadden's body of work will be very tempting to consider.

8. Baltimore Ravens — CB-RS Leodis McKelvin, Troy
The image of the Ravens' corners getting scorched in coverage was all too familiar a year ago. McKelvin's special return ability is what should make him the first corner drafted.

9. Cincinnati Bengals — OLT Ryan Clady, Boise State (Jr.)
The Bengals struggled to stay healthy on the offensive line a year ago and have an aging, increasingly injured pair of bookends in Willie Anderson and Levi Jones. They must look hard at the trenches on both sides of the ball, and Clady could bring more long-term value than Sedrick Ellis.

10. New Orleans Saints — CB-KR Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
The Saints were victimized early and often with Jason David in the lineup, and they were not willing to outbid the Eagles for Asante Samuel. Sean Payton has shown an affinity for small-school talent and has made stars out of Marques Colston and Jahri Evans.

11. Buffalo Bills — DT Sedrick Ellis, USC
The Bills recognize value and are thin inside after cutting Larry Tripplett. Ellis will command double-teams inside and would be a great fit for Perry Fewell's defense.

12. Denver Broncos — WLB Keith Rivers, USC
The Broncos cut Ian Gold and have not been as strong at the LB position since Al Wilson departed a year ago. Rivers brings versatility to play any LB position and could start from Day One alongside D.J. Williams.

13. Carolina Panthers — RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon (Jr.)
Although he recently underwent surgery to correct a broken bone in his foot, Stewart's draft status likely will not be affected much. His combination of size, strength and speed is rare.

14. Chicago Bears — OLT Chris Williams, Vanderbilt
With John Tait better-suited for the right side, which Fred Miller has now vacated, Williams would be a natural fit and could upgrade what had become an overaged unit.

15. Detroit Lions — CB-RS Aqib Talib, Kansas (Jr.)
The Lions cut Fernando Bryant from a secondary that was victimized heavily through the air a year ago. They need to create more pressure up front, but Talib's size and instincts make him most naturally suited for a zone scheme. Rashard Mendenhall may not escape the top 15, however, after the Lions cut Kevin Jones, failed to land Julius Jones and signed Tatum Bell to only a one-year deal.

16. Arizona Cardinals — RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois (Jr.)
Cornerback could be a more pressing need, but with few options available and Edgerrin James losing a step, Ken Whisenhunt will be looking to strengthen a power running game.

17. Minnesota Vikings — DE Derrick Harvey, Florida (Jr.)
Injuries have depleted the Vikings' depth on the edges, and after coming up short on a deal for Justin Smith, they will be looking very closely at pass rushers early.

18. Houston Texans — OT Gosder Cherilus, Boston College
Cherilus comes versed in the zone-blocking scheme that B.C. head coach Jeff Jagodzinski learned under new Texans assistant Alex Gibbs. Gary Kubiak has shown he prefers to build in the trenches.

19. Philadelphia Eagles — DE Phillip Merling, Clemson (Jr.)
The Eagles could be a prime candidate to trade up and nab an offensive tackle, but after releasing Jevon Kearse and failing to reap returns on Darren Howard in free agency last year, they might continue to stack the line with versatile pass rushers the way their NFC East rival Giants have.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — WR-RS DeSean Jackson, California (Jr.)
Jackson is too small and injury-prone for many teams to consider in the first round, but his speed and return ability could easily fool a team into making him the first receiver drafted.

21. Washington Redskins — DE Calais Campbell, Miami (Fla.) (Jr.)
After hiring fiery former Miami (Fla.) DL coach John Palermo, under whom Campbell had his best season as a sophomore, the Redskins are a natural fit, especially given their need to create more pass-rush pressure.

22. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland) — RB Felix Jones, Arkansas (Jr.)
Jerry Jones remains a candidate to package Marion Barber and a first-round pick this year and next in an effort to trade up to land Darren McFadden, who would give the Cowboys an exciting new set of triplets and help open his stadium in style. If he has to settle for keeping Barber and selecting the Hog back sharing his last name to replace the one that just left (Julius), his backfield could be more balanced.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers — OLG-OLT Branden Albert, Virginia (Jr.)
The Steelers were not able to keep Pro Bowl OLG Alan Faneca, but they could find another potential Pro Bowler by drafting his replacement in the first round.

24. Tennessee Titans — WR Limas Sweed, Texas
Sweed won some big games with Vince Young and has a built-in rapport that should allow him to acclimate to the offense more quickly than many other receivers.

25. Seattle Seahawks — OLT Sam Baker, USC
With Walter Jones turning 34 and Ray Willis having failed to pan out, the Seahawks need to think about keeping Matt Hasselbeck healthy.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars — MLB Curtis Lofton, Oklahoma (Jr.)
Mike Peterson has struggled to stay healthy the past two seasons, and Jack Del Rio could use another tough-minded linebacker who can bring a swagger to the defense.

27. San Diego Chargers — SS Kenny Phillips, Miami (Fla.) (Jr.)
Marlon McCree has departed for the Broncos, and Clinton Hart was barely serviceable, leaving a void in the secondary alongside last year's second-rounder Eric Weddle. Like last year, if the Chargers want to find a starting safety, they are going to have to reach for one in a very average class.

28. Dallas Cowboys — WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma (Jr.)
Jerry Jones is intent on finding more playmakers for his franchise quarterback, and Kelly's size and secure hands make him a great fit in Jason Garrett's offense.

29. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis) — WR-KR Devin Thomas, Michigan State (Jr.)
The Niners are devoid of playmakers and need to give fourth-year quarterback Alex Smith more weapons. Thomas could be used in many ways like a running back in Mike Martz's offense.

30. Green Bay Packers — CB-KR Mike Jenkins, South Florida
Jenkins has the man cover skills sought in the Packers' defense and would be drafted sooner if not for questions about his character. He could be worth a gamble in this spot by a confident decision-maker such as Ted Thompson.

(—) New England Patriots — Forfeited pick

31. New York Giants — CB Patrick Lee, Auburn
Despite drafting Aaron Ross a year ago, the Giants must continue to get younger in the secondary, and Lee provides the special-teams value as a gunner to contribute immediately and could make an impact in the slot.

[GY Joe]

It gets better for Boston every day 
A Texas 3 step sweep...
GO CELTICS

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-080321

[The Claw]

I'd be hoping Miami take Ryan with the first pick, leaving Chris Long for the Jets. He looks unreal and the Jets need someone to replace Vilma. Even if Miami take Long with the first pick, hopefully the Jets would get Gholston, who is also touted as a future star. Either way, should be a good draft for the Jets.

[GY Joe]

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/02/sports/playmagazine/02play-klosterman.html?ref=basketball


Good article on how one player if he is good enough can effect the entire ethos of a team for good..

[GalwayBayBoy]

PFW's new mock draft

First round

1. Miami Dolphins
OT Jake Long, Michigan

It doesn't matter who the quarterback is if he doesn't have time to throw. With Long protecting the blind side, QB Josh McCown may not have to run for his life for the first time in his career. The time-tested, proven way to build a football team is in the trenches, and Bill Parcells knows that as well as anyone.

2. St. Louis Rams
DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU

The Rams' track record of drafting defensive tackles in the first round has been very suspect. However, the team's brain trust is wise enough not to let past mistakes cloud its judgment of a legitimate talent with great passion.

3. Atlanta Falcons
QB Matt Ryan, Boston College

If the Falcons are to put the past behind them, nothing could do it better than a new face of the franchise at the most important position. Ryan has all the tools to become great.

4. Oakland Raiders
DE Vernon Gholston*, Ohio State

The Raiders' ground game was not the problem last year, when they ranked sixth in the league in rushing. With Tyler Brayton (free agency) and Warren Sapp (retirement) gone, Tommy Kelly returning from a serious injury and a disgruntled Derrick Burgess having outplayed his contract, Gholston will provide the most help.

5. Kansas City Chiefs
RB Darren McFadden*, Arkansas

The Chiefs desperately want to trade down, but Carl Peterson has never shied away from the strategy of taking the best player overall. With the looming pressure to win immediately and Larry Johnson coming off injury, he may have to restrain himself from filling bigger needs at tackle and cornerback if forced to stay at the No. 5 slot.

6. New York Jets
RB Jonathan Stewart*, Oregon

Signing Calvin Pace filled a void at the OLB position. The Jets signed Alan Faneca and Damien Woody to establish a power-running game. All the offense lacks is a smashmouth back. After having surgery on his toe, Stewart is expected to be fully ready for training camp and could bring the blend of power and speed that's missing from the Jets' offense.

7. New England Patriots (from San Francisco)
OLB-DE Chris Long, Virginia

The Patriots have not drafted a linebacker in the first round since Bill Belichick came to New England, but Long's versatility will be too attractive to pass up. A strategist like Belichick could utilize him in many ways.

8. Baltimore Ravens
CB-RS Leodis McKelvin, Troy

Age and injuries have wounded the Ravens' secondary. McKelvin could step in from Day One and start.

9. Cincinnati Bengals
NT Sedrick Ellis, USC

The Bengals tried hard to acquire help inside via free agency but were not able to make a splash. Ellis could provide new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer with scheme versatility, allowing him to move between the 3-4 and 4-3.

10. New Orleans Saints
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State

His speed will be very attractive to a team with a major void at cornerback and a history of drafting speed. Small-school talent has paid big dividends for Sean Payton.

11. Buffalo Bills
WR Devin Thomas*, Michigan State

One-year wonders always pose some risk, but Thomas has playmaking ability that could open up the offense for Trent Edwards and complement Lee Evans very nicely.

12. Denver Broncos
OLT Ryan Clady*, Boise State

Clady's lack of upper-body strength, low Wonderlic score and questionable passion for the game could push him down the board, but strength is not as important as athletic ability in the Broncos' zone-blocking scheme.

13. Carolina Panthers
DRE Derrick Harvey*, Florida

With Mike Rucker likely in his final year in Carolina, Harvey could benefit from a year as Rucker's backup and see considerable action in rotational duty as a rookie.

14. Chicago Bears
ORT Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh

Otah's powerful style suits the Bears' running game. His lack of foot speed could prevent him from being drafted higher.

15. Detroit Lions
RB Rashard Mendenhall*, Illinois

With a pressing need in the backfield following the release of Kevin Jones, Mendenhall could step into the starting lineup from Day One and be asked to shoulder the workload.

16. Arizona Cardinals
DE Phillip Merling*, Clemson

With no runner or cornerback worthy of the 16th pick, Merling could best help a pass rush that lost Calvin Pace, having shown the toughness to play through a sports hernia injury that he suffered during the second half of his junior season.

17. Minnesota Vikings
WR Mario Manningham*, Michigan

With Troy Williamson sent packing, Tarvaris Jackson needs a legitimate downfield threat to open up the offense. The Vikings have always been willing to overlook a wart or two in the character department in order to secure a great talent.

18. Houston Texans
OT Chris Williams, Vanderbilt

An excellent fit for Alex Gibbs' zone-blocking scheme, Williams' lack of strength and explosion could be concealed with all the leaning and cutting the Texans' line is asked to do.

19. Philadelphia Eagles
OT-OG Branden Albert*, Virginia

With versatility to help inside or outside, Albert could be very attractive to an Eagles brain trust that may be looking to move up to land a tackle.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
WR Limas Sweed, Texas

Jon Gruden's offense could receive a spark from a big, strong, acrobatic receiver like Sweed.

21. Washington Redskins
DE Calais Campbell*, Miami (Fla.)

New DL coach John Palermo has proven he could get the most out of Campbell and should be able to get him to cut some weight to regain the burst he showed as a sophomore when Palermo coached him in Coral Gables.

22. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland)
RB Felix Jones*, Arkansas

With Marion Barber in tow, Jones could be a very good complement and make a big contribution in the return game.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers
OT Gosder Cherilus, Boston College

Cherilus possesses the power and strength that defines the Steelers' ground game. With Marvel Smith struggling to stay healthy, Cherilus could easily be pressed into duty early.

24. Tennessee Titans
WR Malcolm Kelly*, Oklahoma

Questions about the health of Kelly's knees and a lack of speed may keep him from getting drafted sooner. Vince Young could take major strides with a sure-handed, big target whom he could trust to attack the many jump balls he tosses.

25. Seattle Seahawks
OLT Sam Baker, USC

The Seahawks need to begin thinking about replacing Walter Jones. Giving his replacement some time to learn from one of the game's greats could pay big dividends down the line.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars
DE Lawrence Jackson, USC

With Jack Del Rio exerting more influence in the draft room, a former Trojan like himself could help upgrade an aging pass rush in need of help off the edges.

27. San Diego Chargers
NT Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina

Balmer could be a few years away from contributing, which is acceptable on a very talented roster. His overall strength makes him ideally suited to play in a 3-4 front.

28. Dallas Cowboys
CB-PR Aqib Talib*, Kansas

A Pacman Jones experiment may or may not work out, and Talib could bring a similar swagger and much more size to the secondary to help match up with the likes of Plaxico Burress.

29. San Francisco (from Indianapolis)
LB Keith Rivers, USC

The lack of need at the LB position could keep Rivers from being drafted sooner and work out very favorably for the Niners. Rivers' versatility could be a plus in San Francisco.

30. Green Bay Packers
TE Martellus Bennett*, Texas A&M

With the Packers having released Bubba Franks and in need of a blocking tight end who could also pose matchup problems in the passing game, Bennett could help ease the transition of Aaron Rodgers in his first year as the starting quarterback.

31. New England Patriots

Forfeited pick

32. New York Giants
CB Mike Jenkins, South Florida

Despite drafting Aaron Ross in the first round last year, the Giants need more depth in the secondary, and Tom Coughlin has gotten the most out of players who don't like to practice.

[GY Joe]

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/02/sports/playmagazine/02play-klosterman.html?ref=basketball


Good article on how one player if he is good enough can effect the entire ethos of a team for good..

Could someone post Tom Humphs article on Len Bias' death on the board. That knocked the Celtic nation back years. Tom if your looking in, can you score tickets for the playoff's seeing as I gave you an idea for an article...!

Keep up the good work. No doubt the story of the season will be the Boston Celtics this year!

[GY Joe]

http://www.nba.com/aroundtheassociation/newlookceltics_atareview.html

The big 3 and the changes that they have wrought on the Celtics this year

[GalwayBayBoy]

New mock draft

1. Miami Dolphins — OLT Jake Long, Michigan
The safest pick in the draft, the Dolphins will not go wrong with the behemoth from Michigan.

2. St. Louis Rams — DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU
With rookie DTs Clifton Ryan and Adam Carriker performing well last season, the Rams have a bigger need at defensive end. Vernon Gholston could prove to be the best fit and the biggest difference maker, but he may not be as ready from Day One as Chris Long. The Rams are still doing their homework, with the Dolphins breaking their hearts by pursuing Jake Long. All that appears certain is that St. Louis will draft a defensive lineman. However, until the Rams' doctors get a closer look at Dorsey in his upcoming two-day visit at the facility, a decision will not be made. Dorsey currently carries the most interest from the Rams' brass, but with Carriker having finished the season at the three-technique position, Rams coaches need to figure out a plan before proceeding. Adding Dorsey could create a glut inside and leave the edges devoid of speed. Vernon Gholston could make a late run.

3. Atlanta Falcons — QB Matt Ryan, Boston College
With Long and Dorsey off the board, the decision becomes easy for new Falcons bossman Thomas Dimitroff. He may just have to package a pick or two to get back into the first round to make sure he can land more protection for his future franchise quarterback.

4. Oakland Raiders — RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas*
Al Davis cannot help himself, and he could be faced with a bit of a dilemma if Vernon Gholston remains on the board. However, with character not being a factor in his decision, the Raiders' owner will side with the big-play weapon who will put fans in the seats, best help the enormous investment he made in JaMarcus Russell and make the most immediate impact.

5. Kansas City Chiefs — DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio State*
This pick may not make a lot of sense on the surface, but with the Chiefs involved in trade talks, do not be surprised if they add the draft's most physically impressive specimen to their defensive line. Despite a more pressing need at cornerback, Herm Edwards is a defensive-minded coach who knows championships are won with a fierce pass rush.

6. New York Jets — OLB Chris Long, Virginia
Drafting a projection in the top 10 is a risky proposition, regardless of how safe of a pick Chris Long would appear to be. After the Jets blocked the Dolphins from signing ex-Cardinals free-agent OLB Calvin Pace, Long could finally give the Jets the pieces they have lacked in the 3-4 front to bring pressure on defense. Al Groh's recommendation should carry a lot of weight in New York, and Long's versatility is a big plus. Nonetheless, it could be very difficult to pass on a power back like Jonathan Stewart, especially with McFadden already off the board.

7. New England Patriots (from San Francisco) — DE Derrick Harvey, Florida*
Harvey is a power pass rusher with enough of a frame to beef up and bolster the Patriots' defensive line. He looked much more impressive at his pro day than he did at the Combine in LB drills. The big question facing the Patriots is whether Harvey is smart enough to handle learning a new game plan every week.

8. Baltimore Ravens — CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy
The Ravens are a prime candidate to trade down, but if forced to stay put, the draft's top cornerback will be too difficult to pass up.

9. Cincinnati Bengals — DT Sedrick Ellis, USC
Being able to acquire Jets DT Dewayne Robertson could still change the Bengals' outlook, but it appears unlikely at this point, and Ellis provides the youth needed in the middle.

10. New Orleans Saints — RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon*
GM Mickey Loomis graduated from Oregon and is well aware of Stewart's rare talent. The Saints did not get the production out of the backfield that Loomis had hoped from Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush, and McAllister could easily be sent packing. Loomis has shown in the past, when he was part of the regime that drafted McAllister in the first round while Ricky Williams was on the roster, how much the Saints value the RB position. Sean Payton believes in drafting value, and that could make it difficult to pass Stewart at this spot.

11. Buffalo Bills — WR Devin Thomas, Michigan State*
Thomas' one year of production makes teams nervous about drafting him too high. However, the Bills need to find a complement for Lee Evans and another target to support the growth of Trent Edwards. Thomas, at this point, could look better than any of the cornerbacks.

12. Denver Broncos — OLT Chris Williams, Vanderbilt
With Jay Cutler having played with Chris Williams for two years at Vanderbilt and Mike Shanahan wanting to protect his investment in Cutler, Williams could climb ahead of Ryan Clady in the draft order.

13. Carolina Panthers — OLT-OG Branden Albert, Virginia*
Albert is smart, explosive and versatile and could step into the starting lineup immediately at left tackle, upgrade the offensive line and swap spots with Travelle Wharton if he struggles initially.

14. Chicago Bears — OLT Ryan Clady, Boise State*
The Bears have a glaring need on the offensive line and will have to consider their options between Jeff Otah and Ryan Clady if Clady slides. Otah better fits the Bears' power running game.

15. Detroit Lions — LB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee*
To make the Tampa-2 defense go, a linebacker with great range is critical, and Mayo could add the Derrick Brooks element to the Lions' "D."

16. Arizona Cardinals — RB Rashad Mendenhall, Illinois*
After questionably passing on Adrian Peterson a year ago, the Cardinals need to find a young back to replace the aging Edgerrin James, and Mendenhall looks more attractive at this point than the best cornerback.

17. Minnesota Vikings — OT Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh
With Bryant McKinnie facing legal trouble and the ORT position having been an area of weakness, Otah could step in immediately and add an element of power to pave more holes for the NFL's most exciting runner.

18. Houston Texans — CB Dominic Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State
With a run having taken place on offensive tackles, the Texans will be forced to look at their need at cornerback, where they struggled to stay healthy a year ago.

19. Philadelphia Eagles — WR Limas Sweed, Texas
A prime candidate to trade up and secure a left tackle of the future, the Eagles also need to find more playmakers for Donovan McNabb, and Sweed's combination of size, work habits and big-play ability could be very attractive at this spot, especially with Jon Gruden drafting next and facing a very similar predicament with a very similar West Coast offense.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — CB Mike Jenkins, South Florida
The Buccaneers are looking to be more creative on defense and need a cornerback who can man-cover. Gruden and Bruce Allen have shown they will sacrifice character for elite talent.

21. Washington Redskins — DE Phillip Merling, Clemson*
Merling has the size and motor desired in the Redskins' defense and could be more attractive than the slow-footed Calais Campbell at this point.

22. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland) — RB Felix Jones, Arkansas*
Jerry Jones' mission is to support the growth of his quarterback, and Felix Jones should definitely take some pressure off Romo. Despite not having been featured as a pass catcher, Jones catches the ball very well.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers — OT Gosder Cherilus, Boston College
The Steelers have always been and will continue to be a smashmouth blocking team, and Cherilus fits very well with what they want to establish.

24. Tennessee Titans — DT Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina
Any general manager who gives Albert Haynesworth a multiyear megadeal is asking to be fired, and the Titans have to be prepared to replace the mercurial defensive tackle. DL coach Jim Washburn has shown he can get the most out of underachievers.

25. Seattle Seahawks — TE Dustin Keller, Purdue
Keller could become a playmaking weapon in Mike Holmgren's spread offense, capable of lining up in the slot and making plays all over the field.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars — DE Calais Campbell, Miami (Fla.)*
Jack Del Rio has been successful with big men who do not always test the greatest. Campbell's upside will keep teams interested late in the first round.

27. San Diego Chargers — LB Keith Rivers, USC
The Chargers are not likely to remain in this position and could deal the pick to a team looking to move up to land a quarterback or offensive tackle. Not having picks in the next three rounds, they could be best-served moving down. However, if they stay put, they will recognize Rivers' value and not hesitate to pull the trigger.

28. Dallas Cowboys — CB Aqib Talib, Kansas*
Jerry Jones has shown he is willing to give second and third chances to troubled players, and Talib's size, swagger and athletic ability will be attractive to the owner, as could his ability to dabble on offense.

29. San Francisco (from Indianapolis) — ILB Curtis Lofton, Oklahoma*
Pairing Lofton with Patrick Willis could secure the middle of the Niners' defense and give them one of the best LB groups in the NFL at a position that could not be more important in a 3-4 front.

30. Green Bay Packers — OG-OT Sam Baker, USC
Baker could step in at guard from Day One a la the Patriots' Logan Mankins, fill a pressing need and be groomed to take over on the edge, although his lack of arm length could make him best-suited inside.

— New England Patriots — Pick forfeited.

31. New York Giants — CB Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech*
Most teams were disappointed at the Combine when Flowers ran poorly. The Giants, holding the last pick in the first round, will be more pleased that a good football player is falling to them.