It was not too many years ago when a team such as the Pittsburgh Steelers had a circumstantial advantage for the NFL draft. With the NFL draft set to begin, I thought I'd try my hand at a mock draft. As one of the few teams with a 3-4 defense, they could pick and choose from all types of 'tweeners and stock their unit accordingly. NFL GM's do not particapate in these things, but I just bet that they pay attention. Former South Carolina defender Melvin Ingram should prove scheme-versatile in the NFL.

The future of the National Football League’s annual Pro Bowl may be in jeopardy following diminished television ratings and criticism from league players and executives and booing from fans in attendance. The Lakers typically open the NBA playoffs on Sunday afternoons. The 2013 game is scheduled for Jan. 27, though no location for the contest has been announced. It's one of the easiest schedule quirks that ensures that LA plays the league's marquee game when most fans are at home. But it's now official. League spokesman Greg Aiello said today in a statement on his Twitter page that the NFL was in discussions with the league’s players association regarding the game’s future.

The NFL draft begins Thursday night with the first round, continues Friday night with the second and third rounds, and runs through Saturday, when the final four rounds will be held at Radio City Music Hall. The government wants you to install solar panels at your house, and will even give you a tax break to do it. The Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams both went 2-14 last season and had the top two picks, but the Rams traded the second spot to Washington. But your neighbors? Maybe not.