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.

Rafael Nadal rattled off his 31st consecutive victory at the Barcelona Open after a comfortable straight sets win over Colombia's Robert Farah. Colombian qualifier Robert Farah put up a fight but was inevitably beaten. The world No. 2 has won six of the last seven titles at the Real Club de Tennis his last defeat coming in 2003 to fellow Spaniard Alex Corretja. Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray cruised into the Barcelona Open quarterfinals.

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has been released from the hospital after a heavy collision at Camp Nou during the club's Champions League semifinal, it was announced Wednesday. Gerard Pique has been released from hospital following a heavy collision in Barcelona's Champions. Pique clashed with Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes in the first half of Tuesday's crucial match against Chelsea and was substituted after just 25 minutes. Lionel Messi was not to blame for Barcelona's UEFA Champions League exit according to club president.

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.

Hiroki Kuroda was impressive on the mound for the New York Yankees. Yu Darvish won the battle of Japanese hurlers, outpitching countryman Hiroki Kuroda by striking out 10 as the Darvish outduels Kuroda. Only problem for the Bronx Bombers was that Kuroda’s fellow countryman, Yu Darvish, was even better pitching for the Texas Rangers. Kinsler and Kuroda all proved they were hard headed last week, and at long last.

The Devils stared down elimination Tuesday night and lived to tell about it barely. "I thought Kovy made a great play on the goal," Devils coach Pete DeBoer said. Travis Zajac scored 5:39 into overtime to save their season with a 3-2 victory over the Florida Panthers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals at Prudential Center. New Jersey Devils' Ilya Kovalchuk celebrates with teammate Travis Zajac blank Devils to take 3-2 series lead.

Undefeated at home, no more. Hey, you know what they say about fun while it lasted. Dodgers baserunner Matt Kemp, right, argues with second base umpire Ron Kulpa after being caught in a double play during the fourth inning of the Dodgers' loss to the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday. Martin Prado's run-scoring triple off Javy Guerra in the ninth inning sends the Dodgers to 7-1 at home. Los Angeles TimesDodgers no longer perfect at home after 4-3 loss to BravesLos Angeles TimesMartin Prado's run-scoring triple off Javy Guerra.