am All-Defence. "Any time youre awarded anything individually, its an honour." The pair were joined on the first team by Clippers guard Chris Paul (37 points), Thunder forward Serge Ibaka ((46), Knicks centre Tyson Chand

The run-up to Thursdays NFL draft has been one of the most intriguing in years, with the first and second picks having already been traded. Players have seen their draft stock plummet, a number for concerns off the field, as teams prepare their boards and fine tune their plans for the big night in Chicago.Ill be live blogging the event into the early hours of Friday morning, with help from Alex Ferguson (@viewfromamerica) so I thought I would put together my prediction of how things will go. So here goes with my first round mock draft - all of this assuming no more trades are made:1 Los Angeles Rams - Jared Goff (QB - California)The Rams return to Los Angeles this season and make the Cal quarterback the face of their franchise for the future. Who cares if his hands are a little small and hes not actually the best player in the draft?2 Philadelphia Eagles - Carson Wentz (QB - North Dakota)Wentz might be a better professional prospect than Goff, but its tight between the two. The Eagles have given up plenty for this pick and they have to pray the small-school man works out for them.In whatever order, it appears Goff and Wentz will go one and two…then things get interesting and somewhat less predictable.3. San Diego Chargers - Laremy Tunsil (OT - Mississippi)The quarterback hype-train enables San Diego to get the best, but least sexy, player in the draft. Philip Rivers will love this pick as will whoever eventually takes over from him. Offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil of Ole Miss participates in a drill during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine 4. Dallas Cowboys - Jalen Ramsey (CB - Florida State)Possibly the best defensive player in the draft and one the Cowboys probably cant avoid taking. Their choice likely comes down to Ramsey and Joey Bosa, who would help them cover a couple of possible suspensions.5. Jacksonville Jaguars - Joey Bosa (DE - Ohio State)Bosa was dominant in college and the Jaguars, who have improved in most areas through free agency, do still need a big pass rusher. The Buckeye ticks most of the boxes.6. Baltimore Ravens - Myles Jack (LB - UCLA) Not many elite middle linebackers in this draft, but Jack fits the bill. The big concern for teams drafting him are his knee issues, but Jack pairing up with CJ Mosley would make the Ravens defence one to fear again. Linebacker Myles Jack of the UCLA Bruins 7. San Francisco 49ers - Ronnie Stanley (OT - Notre Dame)The 49ers have plenty of needs, but pass protection could be No 1 after a dreadful 2015 season for supposed star QB Colin Kaepernick. He might not even start this season, but whoever does will need a player like Stanley looking after them. Richard Graves Mock Draft Richard Graves is in Chicago for Sky Sports, running the rule over the 2016 NFL Draft class and wher 8. Cleveland Browns - Ezekiel Elliott (RB - Ohio State) Many expect the Browns to trade further down the draft but should they stand pat, adding a potential franchise running back would have to be the call. They would have a triple threat from their backfield with him, pass catching threat Duke Johnson and quarterback Robert Griffin III (if he can still run).9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Vernon Hargreaves (CB - Florida) There seems to be consensus that the Bucs will target secondary help with this pick and the Gators prospect is not rated too far behind Jalen Ramsey in a decent cornerback class. Defensive back Vernon Hargreaves of Florida 10. New York Giants - Leonard Floyd (OLB - Georgia) The Giants will look for pass rushing help and Floyd fits the bill as a hybrid, who could play downs on the front line or as an outside linebacker. He bulked up ahead of the scouting combines after criticism of a lack of power at times.11. Chicago Bears - DeForest Buckner (DE - Oregon)An elite edge rusher dropping to 11 would be ideal for the Bears, who could also look at Floyd if Buckner has already gone, even though their need at linebacker decreased through free agency signings of Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman. NFL Draft: Beginners guide From crucial quarterbacks, to blockbuster trades and tears on the telephone, heres our essential gu 12. New Orleans Saints - Sheldon Rankins (DT - Louisville)The Saints were a hot mess on defence last season and have to rebuild there. Rankins is absolutely huge and should immediately be an every down player helping them against the pass and run.13. Miami Dolphins - Eli Apple (CB - Ohio State)The Dolphins will hope that Elliott drops in their lap, but it seems unlikely unless they can move up a few slots. Their secondary was distinctly second-rate last season so this kind of pick could well bear fruit (sorry, couldnt resist!). Eli Apple (L) of the Ohio State Buckeyes breaks up a pass intended for Amara Darboh #82 of the Michigan Wolverines 14. Oakland Raiders - William Jackson III (CB - Houston) Jackson has been a draft bolter in recent months and could find a nice home in Oakland, where much is expected of an improved team. They added Reggie Nelson and Sean Smith in free agency and Jackson would provide further quality in an area they struggled last year.15. Tennessee Titans - Jack Conklin (OT - Michigan State)The Titans started to rebuild with QB Marcus Mariota last year, and they have traded down from the No 1 slot to land a number of picks in this draft. With this pick they could add someone, in Conklin, who can help protect their star asset.16. Detroit Lions - Shaq Lawson (DE - Clemson)The Lions have offensive line needs as well, but if Lawson drops he will be tough to pass on. Would form an excellent double punch with the under-rated Ziggy Ansah. Lawson out to seize NFL chance In the first of our series of interviews ahead of the 2016 NFL Draft, Shaq Lawson tells us about his 17. Atlanta Falcons - Darron Lee (OLB - Ohio State)Yet another Buckeye could come off the board here with the Falcons in desperate need at linebacker. Hes very quick and athletic, and would be a good complement to last years early pick Vic Beasley.18. Indianapolis Colts - Taylor Decker (OT - Ohio State) Five first-round Buckeyes and counting. Decker is a very good run-blocker, a great pile-pusher and would really give a boost to the all-new Titans running game, of course now featuring DeMarco Murray.19. Buffalo Bills - Paxton Lynch (QB - Memphis) This is my pick should there be no trades but a few teams really like Lynch, some more so than the likely top two selections, and could easily trade up to snag him before now. If not the Bills get a fine quarterback to take over from Tyrod Taylor, perhaps as early as opening day. Paxton Lynch of the Memphis Tigers 20. New York Jets - Reggie Ragland (ILB - Alabama) The Jets are probably #1 candidate to trade up for Lynch, making this pick something of a lottery. Should they get stuck without their new franchise QB, then Ragland would make up for the loss of Demario Davis to Cleveland.21. Washington Redskins - Laquon Treadwell (WR - Mississippi) The Redskins could easily go front-line defence here (AShawn Robinson or Jarran Reed) but Treadwell would give them a huge receiver for the future, which will likely start without one of DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon in 2017. Both veterans are free agents next year.22. Houston Texans - Corey Coleman (WR - Baylor)Expect a rush on wide receivers in this part of the first round, with the Texans adding the perfect complement for DeAndre Hopkins. Tight end a possible here as well, but top-rated Hunter Henry could be something of a reach, and Colemans speed is a real asset. Corey Coleman of the Baylor Bears 23. Minnesota Vikings - Josh Doctson (WR - TCU) Another wideout comes off the board, and this one might have most impact in season one. Hes got great hands, but would probably prefer to land somewhere with a better quarterback situation than Minneapolis, where there is also a new stadium effect to throw in.24. Cincinnati Bengals - Will Fuller (WR - Notre Dame)You guessed it, wide receiver again. These last four picks could easily be inter-changeable. Fuller is a similar player to Coleman, with speed a huge asset, and that would probably help open up some space for AJ Green and Tyler Eifert.25. Pittsburgh Steelers - Artie Burns (CB - Miami)The Steelers need help in the secondary more than anywhere else. They would love for Jackson or Apple to fall this far, and it is possible, but if not Burns would be a handy addition. Artie Burns of the Miami Hurricanes rushes during a game against the Florida Atlantic Owls 26. Seattle Seahawks - Robert Nkemdiche (DT - Mississippi)On pure talent Nkemdiche belongs much higher in the draft, but hes had…lets just call them issues away from football and carries risk with him. But whats not to like about a guy who wants to buy a panther if he is drafted in the first round?27. Green Bay Packers - Andrew Billings (NT - Baylor)Billings is a big body and size up front is something the Packers really need. Jarran Reed would also be a target here, although Billings projects as a better fit. NFL Draft: Top pick QBs A quarterback is set to be selected No 1 in the 2016 Draft, so we take a closer look at some previou 28. Kansas City Chiefs - Kevin Dodd (DE - Clemson)The Chiefs improved a great deal last year and another pass rusher could just push them over the edge in terms of a Super Bowl run. Dodds stock has risen all year, and it could even see him taken earlier than this, but if hes available Id expect the Chiefs to pounce.29. Arizona Cardinals - AShawn Robinson (DT - Alabama) Predictions for Robinson have been all over the board, from just outside the top 10 to not being picked in the first round at all. But I could see Arizona taking a chance on him if he drops, and run stuffing was one of their few issues last season. AShawn Robinson (R) of the Alabama Crimson Tide 30. Carolina Panthers - Jason Spriggs (OT - Indiana) Spriggs proved an excellent pass protector in college, and keeping Cam Newton safe should be one of Carolinas chief concerns this season. Hes still got a bit to learn on the technical side of the game, which is fair since he came through high school playing tight end.31. Denver Broncos - Connor Cook (QB - Michigan State)Predictions for the Broncos are all over the board, but the Super Bowl champions desperately need a quarterback to mould for the future, assuming they dont think Trevor Siemian is it. Cook is a winner, and he can run as well, and its doubtful he would last to the end of the second - a reach, but probably worth it. Quarterback Connor Cook of Michigan State speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine Also See: Richard Graves Mock Draft Shaq Lawson exclusive interview NFL Draft: Beginners guide NFL Draft: Previous No1 QB picks Malik Beasley Jersey . Perhaps Carroll was so prepared for a break because he believes there is very little the Seattle Seahawks need heading into the off-season. "I dont see anything that we need to add. We just have to get better," Carroll said. Thomas Welsh Nuggets Jersey . Barcelonas entertaining victory ensured the defending Spanish champions retained their share of the league lead with Atletico Madrid two rounds ahead of their meeting in the capital. Real Madrid needed a late goal by substitute Jese Rodriguez to earn a 3-2 victory at Valencia to stay in third place and three points behind its title rivals. http://www.nuggetsprostore.com/kids-alex-english-nuggets-jersey/ . - Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie never doubted he would bring back coach Dennis Allen for a third year despite back-to-back 4-12 records. Alex English Nuggets Jersey . There are surprises among the Vezina candidates, but most of the others are standard top-tier performers, even if the two Hart Trophy runners-ups have never been quite as good as they have been through the first half of the season. Alex English Nuggets Jersey . Newcastle dominated in the early stages but City weathered the storm and then raised its game in extra time. Negredo broke the deadlock from close range after a simple move in the 99th minute before Dzeko took the ball round goalkeeper Tim Krul to seal the victory in the 105th.LeBron James and Memphis guard Tony Allen headline the NBA All-Defensive First Team. The league announced Monday that Allen received 53 points in the voting, while the Miami Heat star had 52. Each player had 25 first-team votes from the NBAs 30 head coaches. "We pride ourselves on defence here," said James. "Im one of the catalysts, as far as taking that side of the ball very seriously. We all do. Im happy to be rewarded with such an honour to be part of First Team All-Defence. "Any time youre awarded anything individually, its an honour." The pair were joined on the first team by Clippers guard Chris Paul (37 points), Thunder forward Serge Ibaka ((46), Knicks centre Tyson Chandler (24) and Bulls centre Joakim Noah (24).dddddddddddd "Joakim, obviously (Im) very pleased with that," said Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. "I think down the road, Joakim has a very good chance of being defensive player of the year. His ability to defend all five positions, every aspect of the game -- individual defence, team defence, rebounding, multiple effort ... a very unique player." Marc Gasol, who was the NBAs defensive player of the year, made the second team. He was joined on that squad by Celtics guard Avery Bradley, Grizzlies guard Mike Conley, Spurs forward Tim Duncan and Pacers forward Paul George. ' ' '