Man, do I miss sports! I wrote a few weeks ago that I always wondered what a world without sports would be like. Now that I’ve experienced it over the last month I’m here to say…. I hate it!!!!! Yes, I want the country to be safe and get through this pandemic. I also want to experience the joy that sports bring to our lives every day.
• Thank goodness for the NFL. It’s about the only thing that’s kept us going during the no-sports time in our lives. I’m looking forward to the draft on Thursday night. It will be fascinating to see the draft take place from remote locations. That alone should make for good ratings.
• Here’s to hoping things go well for Indiana products Riley and Dylan Stapleton. I’m a little biased since I know both of these young men and had the privilege of watching them play at Indiana High while working the sidelines for WDAD. A long-time draft expert I’ve known for decades told me he thinks both Riley and Dylan are really good talents, but with this being one of the deepest drafts in recent years for receivers he expects both to be signed as priority free agents. I’m not going to predict what happens, but can tell you that if Riley and Dylan get in the right situation they can absolutely help a team. I’m sure pulling for them!
• It will be strange watching the first round of the NFL Draft and not seeing the Steelers take part. I didn’t like it at first when the Steelers traded away their pick last year. Now, after having seen what Minkah Fitzpatrick brings to the defense, I’m glad Kevin Colbert and company made the move. In fact, in retrospect the Steelers got a steal.
• Pittsburgh only has six picks in this draft, and their selections begin in Round Two. I could see the team going in many directions when their turn comes up at number 49. I believe the Steelers could use another wide receiver, a running back to challenge the often-injured James Conner, some fresh blood on an aging offensive line, help at inside linebacker, another passing rushing outside linebacker and perhaps more help at cornerback and safety. If I had to guess I’d say the Steelers will go offense with their first pick. Then again, they are usually a team that is true to its draft board and if there’s a guy they love who falls to them they won’t hesitate to pull the trigger.
• I would be very surprised if the Steelers pick a quarterback in this draft, even though I’d like to see them improve their backup quarterback position. I’m not sold on Mason Rudolph and Duck Hodges shouldn’t even be on the roster this year. I think former Alabama and Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts would be a heck of a choice, and will probably be there when the Steelers pick in the second round. That said, I’d be really surprised if he ends up in Pittsburgh. I really like this guy and think he could be a great replacement when Big Ben hangs it up. I’m really anxious to see how high he goes and which team drafts him. I believe that team will be very pleased with their selection.
• The PGA Tour is the first major sport to actually put a plan in place to play again. It’s a shame the British Open is canceled for good this year. That means the 150th Open at historic St. Andrews will now be played in 2022. I still think it’s going to be strange seeing a November Masters tournament. But if there’s one tourney I hope gets to be played this year it’s the one at Augusta.
• We should be enjoying the first round of the NHL Playoffs this time of year. Instead, we’re left to wonder if the season will even continue. I do hope the NHL finds a way to play a limited regular season and playoffs, even if it doesn’t place until June. I’m just not sure that if hockey returns we’ll see any games at PPG Paints Arena until next year.
• I’m beginning to think we may not see baseball at all at PNC Park this year. The idea of playing games in only Arizona and Florida is interesting, but a ton of logistics need to be worked out if that is to happen. I miss baseball and my Pittsburgh Pirates. I hope they play this year.
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