Here's an interesting story about how the NFL draft has changed in the fifty-plus years it's been in existence. The Baltimore Sun follows one of the top QB prospects, Ben Roethlisberger, as he prepares for his new line of work. The article also talks about how the Steelers scouted their eventual first round draft pick in 1956:
"...In its formative years, the NFL took a more carefree approach to sizing up picks. The process was about as intricate as thumbing through a magazine. That's exactly what the Pittsburgh Steelers did in 1956, when they made Colorado A&M defensive back Gary Glick the first overall pick. They saw his name in a magazine's list of top players and figured: Why not?"I'm sure some fans would argue that the Steelers have employed similar strategies in more recent drafts.
"I can't be mad at anybody." No, that's not Red Sox owner John Henry talking about the Yankees acquiring A-Rod, it's Red Sox left fielder Manny Ramirez discussing why he's not upset the Red Sox tried to trade him this winter for said shortstop. He went on to say:
"I'm happy to be back with the guys. What happened in the winter happened, and it's in the past...In this business you do what you have to do. I'm not going to get down on myself. Being with the guys has always been what I look forward to. I have five years left, and I'd like to stay here and finish my career in Boston."Who would've thought that Ramirez could give lessons to Henry on maturity?
Nomar almost a Yankee?
From today's Boston Globe:
"Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter wanted no part of any talk that Nomar Garciaparra might wind up with the Yankees next season -- as a second baseman. "They already hate me in Boston," said Jeter. 'I am not saying anything.'"Major League Baseball--without Steroids
Here's a nice break from all the BALCO talk--a piece on the Red Sox new 2nd basemen, Pokey Reese, and how he persevered on his way to the majors.
Sports Reporters weigh in on Jamal Lewis
Today on ESPN's 'The Sports Reporters', Sal Paolantonio (who spent six months of his life covering the Ray Lewis murder trial), Mike Lupica and Mitch Albom all were cautious in proclaiming that Jamal Lewis is on his way to the big house. Lupica: "If it's one thing we have learned over the years,...allegations are not arrests, arrests are not indictments, and indictments are not convictions."
Post Gazette revisits Steelers needs for 2004
Ed Bouchette talks about what personnel needs Cowher & Company hope to fill before training camp. It's not news that the Steelers need help at (in order of importanct) CB, OT, RB, QB, OLB, but what is worrisome is that Bouchette reports that the Steelers are interested in QB Philip Rivers and RBs Steven Jackson and Kevin Jones with the 11th pick. As I've written before, just-as-productive QBs and RBs can be obtained in later rounds--shutdown corners are typically drafted before the 2nd round. So barring any free agent signings, the Steelers should draft a cornerback in the first round.
