Bruins: Rumored Trade With Toronto Involves Kessel, Kaberle

According to a report by Bob McKenzie of TSN.ca, the Boston Bruins have offered potential restricted free agent winger Phil Kessel to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for defenseman Tomas Kaberle and the seventh overall pick in Friday’s NHL Entry Draft.

Kessel does carry a couple of red flags, most notably the surgery on his shoulder that could sideline him for the start of the 2009-10 season. Another is his aforementioned impending free agency, which means any team can present Kessel with an offer sheet, which the Bruins or Maple Leafs could match or let him go for conditional draft picks.

This trade does not make much sense for the Maple Leafs and GM Brian Burke, unless the Bruins are also sending additional draft picks and/or prospects. Kaberle is a premier puck-moving defenseman who could be a No. 1 on many teams.

It’s unlikely Burke would let Kaberle, along with a top-10 draft pick, go for a player who might not play a full season for his team, or might not play for them at all. Even with this offer, the most likely scenario is that Kessel re-signs with the Bruins with a deal similar to the one David Krejci signed not too long ago.

Kessel, 21, enjoyed a breakout season for the Bruins in 2008-09, scoring 36 goals in just 70 games and compiling a +23 rating. He survived testicular cancer in 2007, which earned him the Masterton Trophy for perseverance, and battled mononucleosis this past season.

Clearly, the kid is no stranger to adversity. Playing under the bright lights and intense scrutiny of Toronto likely wouldn’t faze him much. But considering the package the Bruins are asking for- and that Kessel isn’t exactly Burke’s type of player- it seems unlikely that this exact trade would take place.

But if it does, the Bruins will be in a position to own two top-tier defensemen and add another high draft pick to their deep, young squad.

Celtics: What Will They Really Do With Rajon Rondo?

Photo courtesy of ESPN.com

Tuesday was an unexpectedly busy day for the NBA, which garnered several headlines leading into this Saturday’s draft. The Spurs traded for Richard Jefferson and the Timberwolves moved Mike Miller and Randy Foye to Washington for the fifth overall pick, giving them four in the first round this year. But the most intriguing story of Tuesday was about a trade that didn’t happen.

The original report came from Yahoo! that the Celtics had offered the Detroit Pistons Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen for Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Rodney Stuckey. The rumor sent buzz for the Celtics skyrocketing, and called for an almost immediate press conference. Of course, the Boston media always feels entitled to an explanation for rumors of this magnitude.

Celtics President and GM Danny Ainge was quick to debunk the notions that the Celtics were trying to deal Rondo, but made it clear that the Celtics love Rondo as much as one would expect:

What’s clear from Ainge’s comments is the speculation that arose from the trade rumor, like the dissatisfaction with Rondo’s character and work ethic (he apparently showed up late to a playoff game against the Magic) or his contract situation, is merely just speculation.

Like any great GM, Ainge would only make such a drastic move as trading two core players if he feels the Celtics will improve as a result of it.

But what’s also clear is that the Celtics are not ruling out the possibility of a major trade in the future. Ainge doesn’t see anything big happening this off-season, but what they will do between now and the 2010-11 season is still up in the air.

Rondo is set to become a free agent after the 2009-10 season, joining perhaps the greatest free agent class in the history of sports. If the Celtics do not extend Rondo’s contract in the next year, his name will be added to the likes of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Amare Stoudamire, Chris Bosh, Steve Nash, and yes, Allen as well.

Allen’s contract expires after 2010, making him the most likely player to be moved. The Celtics will remain in control of Kevin Garnett’s contract through 2012 and Paul Pierce through 2011, owing them over $40 million combined during the 2010-11 season. This will make signing Rondo to an extension very difficult for the Celtics, especially if he commands a top-tier salary.

But with the way Rondo has improved over the last two seasons, it’s looking like he’s on his way to a hefty payday. After helping the Celtics win their first championship in 22 years in 2007-08, Rondo took his game to another level in 2008-09. His points, rebounds, assists, and percentages all improved, and he averaged a triple double (16.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, 9.8 assists) in 41.2 minutes per game during the playoffs. And he’s still only 23.

Needless to say, Rondo will be seeking a raise over the $2.6 million he’ll make in 2009-10. To reward his movement into the upper echelon of NBA point guards, the Celtics will need to dish out some serious dough. Can they afford it?

If you ask me, keeping Rondo in Boston for his prime years would be worth moving Garnett within the next year. That may mean sacrificing another championship run, but I think it’s still worth it to keep Rondo in a Celtics uniform for the long-term.

It’s pretty clear that Garnett is beginning to decline in terms of both health and performance, which is pretty normal for a man of his age and build.

The window of opportunity for the Celtics’ “Big Three” is closing quickly, and soon enough they will have to look toward the future. That said, it wouldn’t be easy for the Celtics to find a taker for Garnett’s enormous $21 million-plus contract that doesn’t expire until 2012.

But if he can prove to still be able to remain healthy for a full season, it would be tough for a contending team in need of a veteran presence to turn down a man of Garnett’s ability and experience.

But I digress…If- and it’s a pretty big if– the Celtics were open to moving Garnett and could find a deal that works, I would be all for it- provided the main motive is to retain Rondo on the roster.

Rondo doesn’t shoot the ball very well at all; it’s always been his achilles heel. He’ll never be an elite scorer at the point guard position like Chris Paul or Deron Williams.

But he more than makes up for his shooting woes with deft quickness to the hoop, magician-like hands, and tremendous determination and confidence. He has a rare combination of skills that could make him an elite point guard even without great shooting ability.

He may already be there; I personally wouldn’t quite call him elite yet but he’s already at the All-Star level and still has plenty of time to improve. I think all he needs is to develop a reliable three-point shot and he can easily be mentioned among the likes of Paul and Williams.

He can already do everything else with his hands at a very high level. He quickly became my favorite Celtics player and arguably the most exciting player to watch since he came into the league in 2006.

It would pain me as a Celtics fan to see Rondo running all over the place, never tiring or letting up, always looking for the best possible pass or pestering an opponent for a steal, constantly wreaking havoc on the opposing team’s game plan, in a different uniform. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if a team like Cleveland, Houston, Phoenix, or- gasp!– the Lakers were interested in his services come 2010.

Whatever the Celtics do with Rondo, I’m just hoping it doesn’t come devoid of benefits. Trading him would be disappointing, but would also only happen if Ainge feels the Celtics would be better off doing it, and the Celtics would likely end up with some nice players and/or draft picks in return.

Letting Rondo walk to free agency and join another team would be extremely painful to watch, especially if he dons a yellow and purple jersey.

At this point, I would be open to seeing Garnett move elsewhere in order to make room for Rondo to stay here for the future. He’s the most exciting, talented young point guard the Celtics have had in years, and without him for the future the Celtics could be headed straight back to the league basement by 2012.

The Five Most Significant Draft Moments in Boston Celtics History

To say the Boston Celtics’ draft history is a storied one would be an enormous understatement. They have experienced agony and ecstasy, passed on future Hall-of-Famers and stolen others over five decades of selections. With this Saturday’s draft looming, it’s only appropriate to cover the five most significant moments in Celtics draft history.

Honorable mention: Selecting Paul Pierce in 1998; Passing on Kobe Bryant along with 12 other teams in 1996; the sudden death of 1987 top pick Reggie Lewis

5. Larry Bird Falls to Celtics at No. 6 in 1978 Draft

Larry Bird’s draft class is proof of how pivotal top selections can be. Even the Pacers passed on the Indiana State University star and French Lick native, who turned out to be one of the NBA’s all-time great players. Though this draft produced some other good players such as Maurice Cheeks and Reggie Theus, no 1978 draftee had nearly the career Bird had with the Celtics. Thirty-one years later, the decision of the first five teams to pass on Bird still stands as one of the great draft mistakes in league history.

4. Celtics Select John Havlicek with Last Pick of First Round of 1962 Draft

While the 1962 Draft produced several good players who had solid pro careers, only one from that class would end up in the Hall of Fame. John Havlicek scored 26395 points in his 16 NBA seasons- all with the Celtics- first in franchise history and 11th all-time.

Oh, did I mention the Celtics already had Bill Russell, Bob Cousy and Tommy Heinsohn? And were coming off a fourth consecutive NBA championship? After adding Havlicek, they would go on to win six of the next eight titles. Havlicek carried the torch from Russell admirably, leading the Celtics to two more championships in the 1970s. As the subject of one of the NBA’s most famous calls (“Havlicek stole the ball!”), he’s engraved himself permanently in Celtics lore.

3. Celtics Miss Out on Tim Duncan in 1997 Draft Lottery

To their fans’ dismay, the biggest story of the Celtics’ 1996-97 season was where they would end up in the draft. They finished 15-67, giving them the second-best chance to land Wake Forest stud Tim Duncan with the first overall pick. It was clear that Duncan was a transcendent talent, which made the 1997 lottery one of the most exciting in NBA history.

Celtics fans’ hearts dropped as soon as the San Antonio Spurs, who finished 20-62, were revealed as the lucky recipients of Duncan’s services. The Celtics landed the third pick, with which they selected a young point guard named Chauncey Billups. Unfortunately, Billups lasted only 51 games in Boston, several years before reaching his full potential, as Rick Pitino traded him to Toronto for Kenny Anderson.

As for Duncan, he only went on to be one of the greatest power forwards to ever play the game, winning four titles in 12 seasons with the Spurs. And at 32, he may not yet be done winning. It certainly would have been great for New Englanders to see Duncan assert his greatness in Celtic green.

2. Celtics Lose Out on Top Picks in 2007 Draft, Trade for Garnett and Allen

From one rough year to another, the Celtics also stunk ten years later, in 2007. The Celtics stumbled throughout the season to finish 24-58, again second in the draft lottery.

The imminence of the Celtics owning a top-two selection in the draft had the Boston media salivating over the likely prospect of landing Texas’ Kevin Durant with the second-overall pick. But the ping pong balls once again did not bounce Boston’s way, as the Celtics got saddled with pick no. five, the lowest possible pick they could have had.

President Danny Ainge traded that pick, Jeff Green, to Seattle for Ray Allen and Glen “Big Baby” Davis, a move that would pale in comparison to the massive five-for-one deal weeks later that brought Kevin Garnett to Boston.

We all know what happened next. The Celtics completed the biggest single-season turn-around in NBA history, winning 66 games on the way to their 17th NBA title.

I still enjoy imagining what the Celtics could have been had they ended up where they should have at no. 2. They might not yet have a championship, but a starting five of Durant, Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Al Jefferson, and Kendrick Perkins looks great on paper.

1. The Death of Len Bias

In any sport, a first-round draft pick, especially one in the top three, is meant to turn around the fortunes of franchises. Len Bias did just that, unfortunately in a severely tragic way. It seems disrespectful to label Bias a “bust,” but the 23-year-old Maryland star’s shocking death after the 1986 NBA Draft stunned the nation and left the Celtics reeling for nearly two decades.

In April 1984, then-President and GM Red Auerbach traded guard Gerald Henderson along with cash considerations to the Seattle Supersonics for their 1986 first-round pick. It turned out that it would become the second-overall pick for the Bird-led Celtics, who had just defeated the Houston Rockets for their 16th NBA championship.

The reigning NBA champions, in the midst of another mini-dynasty, selected Bias, the 1986 ACC Player of the Year, who had been compared favorably to fellow ACC star Michael Jordan. Had Bias lived up to his big-time expectations, the Celtics could have won several more championships adding him to a team that included four future Hall-of-Famers.

Instead, Bias took his draft celebration down a dark path. He snorted an excessive amount of cocaine in his Maryland dorm, which led to his fatal heart attack less than 48 hours after being picked. The Celtics floundered through much of the 1990s after the original Big Three declined, and were left to wonder what Bias could have done for their franchise.

Jacoby Ellsbury Steals Home To Cap Thrilling Weekend for New England Sports

In a weekend packed with excitement and thrills for New England sports, Jacoby Ellsbury made one play that supplanted the rest as the most memorable.

There are several things that can be highlighted about the Boston Red Sox’s three-game sweep of the New York Yankees in the first meeting of the season between the two teams. The finale alone is full of notables and mentionables. It could be the 10th straight win for the Red Sox. It could be that they swept not just the Yankees, but the entire nine-game homestand including a double-header sweep against the Minnesota Twins. It could be that the Red Sox got 5 1/3 strong innings out of starter Justin Masterson, and more sparkling bullpen work including 2 2/3 perfect innings out of farmhands Michael Bowden and Hunter Jones.

But the one thing that stood out above all these was a single stolen base. To be more specific, it was a steal of home plate. Ellsbury stood on third and stared down Andy Pettite, and suddenly lost all sense of apprehension within himself. For the first time since high school, he attempted to steal home. And he made it safely and relatively comfortably.

Ellsbury’s play was the first straight steal of home- that is, a steal of home without any other play involved- since B.J. Upton did it against Kelvim Escobar and the Los Angeles Angels on Sept. 17, 2007.

David Ortiz also drove in a run with his sixth double of the season just before Ellsbury’s steal. J.D. Drew followed the steal with an RBI double of his own.

The Red Sox won the first game, 5-4, on a Kevin Youkilis walk-off home run in the 11th inning. They also won the wild middle game, 16-11, on the strength of a go-ahead home run by Mike Lowell and a grand slam by Jason Varitek.

The weekend for New England sports also included the Celtics and Chicago Bulls, who battled to a 121-118 double-overtime victory for Chicago. The game saw 28 lead changes and several late game-changing shots.

Also not to be forgotten in this week’s madness was the New England Patriots, who partook in the 2009 NFL Draft. The Pats traded out of the first round and acquired extra picks for this year and next year. Their most intriguing draft acquisitions included safety Patrick Chung, cornerback Darius Butler, and wide receiver Brandon Tate.

If you missed Ellsbury’s steal or just haven’t seen it by now, here’s a clip:

Michael Crabtree Falls to 10 in NFL Draft; Headed to San Francisco

In a mind-boggling move that could have only come from the twisted mind of a crusty old man like Al Davis, the Oakland Raiders took Darrius Heyward-Bey with the seventh overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. While Heyward-Bey is a serious physical specimen and the fastest player in the draft, this pick makes no sense at all for the Raiders when Michael Crabtree was still on the board. Crabtree was universally touted as the top receiver in the draft, and arguably the best overall player. But the Raiders, as usual, went with the fastest player they could get. Davis falls in love with speedsters, and usually proceeds to mess up his team in the process by making such demands. The Raiders screwed up royally with this one, and the San Francisco 49ers made out like bandits getting a top-3 talent like Crabtree at pick No.10. Here’s Crabtree’s interview that came just after he was selected:

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Montreal Fans Shamelessly Single Out Carey Price

Dare I say, Montreal fans have something to learn from Boston fans? I know I’m not coming from the most sensitive collection of fans, but the way Canadiens fans treated their goalie at the Bell Centre Wednesday night was deplorable. It started with a mock cheer, but by the end was just uncalled-for behavior.

As a Boston fan myself, I am well aware that we are characterized as so many things, we’re often given contradictory classifications. We have been described as loyal and classless, knowledgeable and clueless, proud and arrogant. The Boston sports fan scene is like a melting pot these days, where one can find any one of those personality traits lurking around the Fenway or Garden area.

I understand that as a group, we can have a tendency to be tough on players when they do not perform. David Ortiz has been a victim of boos from the Fenway faithful in recent years when he struggled mightily, but we all end up loving the guy in the end. One thing, however, that I can safely say Boston fans do not do, is publicly single out an underperforming player by name. And even if we have done that before, it was not for a 21-year-old kid with just 93 NHL games under his belt.

That’s what brings me to Montreal, who unwittingly embarrassed themselves as a fanbase by how they treated goalie Carey Price Wednesday night in game 4 of their opening-round playoff series against the rival Bruins. The lead for Boston was at 4-1 and there were just about two minutes remaining in regulation- and Montreal’s season. Price had allowed 15 goals in the four-game series, which by that time had been a forgone conclusion that the No.1-seeded Bruins were sweeping the No.8-seeded Canadiens. So the Montreal fans let Price have it, slowly chanting “Caaaaaarey! Caaaaaarey!” as if to taunt him like he’s the opposing goalie.

There are too many adjectives to describe how horrible this treatment is by Canadiens fans. Price had been thrown right into the fire in his rookie year and faltered, and now had a lesser team playing in front of him and faltered again. But the kid is still only 21, and is only four years removed from being drafted! The last thing Canadiens fans should be doing is doing damage to Price’s psyche. Now he’s going to be motivated, yet probably apprehensive or overly anxious to impress the Montreal crowds. For that reason, I predict a slow start for Price next season. And honestly, the fans deserve it for the way they treated him. But Price does not deserve any of this.

I can understand having lofty expectations for Price, the fifth-overall draft pick in 2005. But it’s still far too early in the kid’s career to be expecting him to carry the team to a Stanley Cup. Their booing and chanting suggests that they expected Price to stand on his head and bring the Canadiens past the No.1 seed, after they barely even made the playoffs. How little sense does that make?

I guess they’re expecting Price to do what Patrick Roy did in 1986 all over again. Breaking news for Montreal fans: different player, different era, different team. Through the injuries, lack of a team identity and ousting of coach Guy Carbonneau, the Canadiens’ 100th season was a mess, and considering the expectations on this team at the beginning of the season an 8-seed and first round exit is an enormous failure. But it was a failure from top to bottom in the organization, from the front office to the coaching staff to the players. All of them. The blame cannot rest on the shoulders of one person, especially not a 21-year-old.

Shame on every Canadiens fan at the Bell Centre who partook in that chant, and any fan who condoned it. If you’re going to boo the team, boo the team, not one player. And even if you decide to stoop to the level of singling out one player for your team’s failure, make sure it’s someone who’s expected to perform at a championship level. Price will be an All Star- and perhaps a champion- in the future, but he is still developing. If you can’t be patient enough to live through the growing pains, then you don’t deserve to have him.

Blake Griffin Declares for NBA Draft

It was an inevitable announcement, as the nation watched Blake Griffin play like a giant amongst dwarfs in his sophomore year at Oklahoma. Griffin shot .654 from the field in 2008-09, averaging 22.7 points and 14.4 rebounds for a Sooners team that almost rode him to the Final Four. Now, he projects as the #1 pick in this June’s NBA Draft. Griffin is a prototypical power forward, although he has the size to play center if need be. He will eventually put up similar numbers that he did in Oklahoma for whatever NBA team lands the #1 overall pick in this year’s draft lottery. He’s a monster in the paint, a relentless rebounder, and tireless worker. He is simply head and shoulders above the rest of the 2009 draft class.

Griffin was a unanimous selection for the Associated Press All-American Team, and took home the 2009 Naismith Award for the Nation’s outstanding college basketball player. Stephen A. Smith recently talked to several experts who predict Griffin to be a superstar in the NBA. Most seem to believe this kid is a blue-chipper, and considering his scoring and rebounding ability combined with his size and athleticism, it’s almost impossible to disagree. Obviously any team could use him in their lineup, but out of the teams with the best chances to get the #1 pick- that is, the bottom five teams in the NBA standings- Sacramento and Oklahoma City look like the best places for Griffin, as those teams lack an impact presence at power forward and/or center. The Washington Wizards, however, have the best odds of landing him. A big 4 of Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison and Butler could make them an instant contender.

Here are some highlights from his press conference:

Vodpod videos no longer available.

(more about “Blake Griffin Declares for NBA Draft“, posted with vodpod)

Others have declared their eligibility for the NBA Draft, including Pittsburgh’s DeJuan Blair, Kentucky’s Jodie Meeks, and Arizona’s Chase Budinger. Those three also project as first-round picks. But make no mistake about it: Griffin leads the pack by a country mile.

To see what everyone is talking about, check out the below video for some highlights from Griffin’s time as a Sooner.

From Bronco to Bear: Cutler Headed to Chicago

The bizarrely compelling saga of Jay Cutler and the Broncos has finally met its end. Denver has sent the disgruntled quarterback to the Chicago Bears for QB Kyle Orton, a first- and third-round pick in 2009, and a first-round pick in 2010. Denver gets a fresh start with Kyle Orton and a great opportunity to rebuild their pitiful defense. Cutler, meanwhile, goes to a much better defensive team with a downgrade in the receivers department. He was 13-1 in his career when Denver allowed 21 points or less, a silver lining in his cloudy 17-20 record in Denver. His passing yards stand to take a hit with Devin Hester replacing Brandon Marshall as his top wide receiver target, but with Matt Forte in the fold as a receiving threat his touchdowns could remain the same. Orton will probably do well in Josh McDaniels’ system, but it would be hard not to think of him as a bridge to the next QB the Broncos draft.

The Bears also acquired OT Orlando Pace, agreeing to a three-year deal with the veteran Pro Bowl lineman. It was an overall productive day for the Bears’ present and the Broncos’ future.

Denver will likely take a defensive player with this year’s 18th overall pick they received from the Bears. Possible choices include one of the three USC linebackers available: Rey Maualuga, Clay Matthews and Brian Cushing. Denver also still holds the 12th overall pick, with which they could also take a defensive player like CB Malcolm Jenkins of Ohio State or DE Robert Ayers of Tennessee.

Cutler has some serious questions to answer in 2009 about his maturity and consistency. Knowing him, he may enter the locker room expecting the utmost respect from his teammates, but as Orton’s replacement he will need to earn it. One question he will not have to answer, however, is whether he has the talent to succeed. Fans of Cutler in Denver can have this video courtesy of BroncosTV to remember him by:

_____________________________________________________________

What Others Are Saying About The Jay Cutler Trade:

• Denver Post: Broncos Fans Vent Their Feelings
• Steve Rosenbloom: Angelo Got His Quarterback
• Peter King: Cutler May Regret Leaving Denver
• Pete Prisco: Bears Getting Franchise QB is ‘Priceless’
• Jamie Dukes: Cutler Trade a ‘Huge Gamble’
• Jim Donaldson: Cutler Deal ‘Bear-ly Comprehensible’
• Kevin Seifert: The Trade That Decided a Division

Stephen Strasburg: Boras’ $50 Million Man?

It should come as no surprise to anyone that not only did Scott Boras snap up likely No. 1 pick Stephen Strasburg as his latest client, but made it known that he intends to get him one of the two or three richest contracts ever awarded to a major league rookie.  The deal he is seeking from whatever team drafts Strasburg (almost certainly the Washington Nationals at no.1) is in the neighborhood of six years and $50 million.

That is right along the lines of the contract Daisuke Matsuzaka received from the Red Sox.  But the difference is, Dice-K was a proven success in Japan and the World Baseball Classic before reaching the majors.  Strasburg played for Team USA in the 2008 Olympics and is absolutely dominating college ball right now, but is he really ready to go straight to the major leagues?  According to many of his scouts, yes he is.  It’s likely he’ll get a call-up to whatever team takes him as soon as he’s eligible.

Washington Nationals GM Stan Kasten is not stupid. He knows that if he wants to secure a generational talent like Strasburg, he’ll need to award him the contract Boras believes he deserves. The Nationals especially cannot afford to alienate fans by letting Strasburg slip through their fingers. Once they draft him, though, it can almost be guaranteed he’ll be in a Nationals uniform sometime in 2009.

In case you’re still behind on Strasburg, check out Lee Jenkins’ feature story on him from Sports Illustrated.  Also, watch this video of him striking out 23 batters in one game back in 2007;  He’s since gotten stronger and gained more velocity.

NFL Draft Preview: Darrius Heyward-Bey

Michael Crabtree is the class of the wide receiver position and the household name likely to go somewhere in the top 10, but flying a little under the radar is Maryland’s Darrius Heyward-Bey, who is falling somewhere between 20 and 32 in most scout’s rankings. Okay, “under the radar” may still be a bit of hyperbole for Heyward-Bey. But he’s still being ranked below four or five other receivers in most mocks. Under the right guidance, he can turn his physical tools into football skills which could make him an elite receiver some day.

About those physical tools I speak of: 6’1″ and 210 lb, giving him legitimate top-end size for a receiver and similar size to the other top receivers in the draft. He was also not just the fastest receiver, but the fastest player at the Draft Combine this year, running a 4.30 in the 40-yard dash. He has the instincts and toughness to compete for jump-balls and make tough catches in traffic.

The drawback for Heyward-Bey, which is inevitable for such a physical specimen to be ranked relatively low, is his lack of consistency in route running and catching. Obviously, these are two very important facets of being an NFL receiver, and he has a tendency to drop easy catches. This is a sign of either lack of focus, or focusing too hard. He’ll need to balance this out in order to become a top-level receiver in the NFL. He also has a tendency to be inconsistent with his route-running, as he can lose his way and drift around the field at times. These are problems that can be fixed with the right coaching and a lot of practice. You can’t coach his tremendous physical skills, which are his biggest assets.

As a deep play threat, Heyward-Bey is arguably the best in this year’s draft, and shouldn’t fall too far down in the first round, and would be a steal in the second. If the Bears pass on him at 18, the Eagles look like a nice destination as they search for a go-to-receiver for Donovan McNabb. The Eagles can also wait for pick 28 to take him if they are confident enough that the Ravens (the team to which he is marketing himself) would also pass on him, but that’s highly unlikely for a team in need of receivers to pass on the Maryland alum. Because of Philly’s position, they look like the most likely destination for Heyward-Bey, but if he’s the best player on the Patriots’ draft sheet when it gets to them, he’ll be headed to Foxboro. And if they both pass, he’ll be in Raven purple in 2009.

Watch this highlight video of Heyward-Bey at Maryland, including some spectacular plays. He makes an amazing one-handed catch at 1:20, a nice touchdown grab at 6:03, and an awesome falling catch to recover a bobble at 6:15.

Other Darrius Heyward-Bey Highlights:

• Burns a Miami corner for a 66-yard touchdown pass
• Takes a reverse play 76 yards for the near-touchdown
• Makes an over-the-shoulder TD catch in the 2006 Champs Sports Bowl

Other Blogs That Are Talking about Darrius Heyward-Bey:

• Stet Sports Blog: Is Darrius Heyward-Bey the Next Big Thing in Sports Marketing?
• The Fifth Down Blog at the New York Times: The Debate on Darrius Heyward-Bey
• Fantasy Football Toolbox: Darrius Heyward-Bey Scouting Report

NFL Draft Preview: Aaron Curry

In a draft year rich with talent at the linebacker position, the cream of the crop is certainly Wake Forest’s Aaron Curry, this year’s winner of the Butkus Award for the nation’s top linebacker. Curry is the complete package at linebacker: size, speed, aggressiveness, and especially durability. He never missed a game due to injury in three years as a starter, and was one of the most productive defensive players in college football, totaling 332 tackles and 9.5 sacks in 51 career games at Wake Forest.

At 6’2″ and 254 pounds, Curry possesses the kind of size that is always coveted at linebacker, and that combined with all his other assets makes him a no-brainer top-10 pick in next month’s NFL Draft. He has the ability to help and attack against the run or pass, and has also shown solid pass-rush skills. He usually makes the smart tackle rather than always going for the big hit, but he is also capable of punishing opponents and knows when to do it. He can fit well into either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense.

His only weaknesses come mainly from his below-average hip movement, which limits his side-to-side quickness and could occasionally cause him to miss tackles against runners with good cutback moves. But he will be bigger than the player he is trying to stop most of the time, which will work to his advantage in the long run. The holes in his game could be plugged up within a few years. He’s a hard worker who is always looking to improve, the sign of a true elite prospect.

It’s tough to decide on the best fit for Curry within the top 10 teams at the draft; really any of them could use a linebacker of his caliber. But if Scott Pioli and the Chiefs don’t snap him up at #3, it would be nearly impossible for the Seahawks, Browns and Bengals to all pass on him. I predict the Chiefs do take him, though, because Pioli won’t be able to resist his versatility and talent for his rebuilding defense. He will have an immediate impact no matter where he ends up.

Check out this highlight video of Curry’s time at Wake Forest:

Other Aaron Curry Highlights:

• Returns an interception 77 yards for a touchdown against North Carolina
• Another interception returned for a TD, this time against North Carolina State
• Power-lifts 374 pounds with little trouble
• Delivers a punishing shoulder hit on a punt returner against Baylor
• Perfectly reads the screen pass and wraps up the receiver behind the line of scrimmage against Clemson