LeBron and Cavs ready for NFL draft
CHICAGO (AP) The Latest on the first day of the NFL draft (all times local):
2:00 p.m.
Even the Cleveland Cavaliers had football fever on draft day.
After practice ended Thursday, the Cavs, who are waiting to see who they'll play in the second round of the NBA playoffs, hurled footballs across the courts at their indoor training facility.
LeBron James, an All-Ohio wide receiver in high school and die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, hauled in several long passes from guard J.R. Smith, who showed that his long-range accuracy extends beyond the 3-point line. Point guard Kyrie Irving also joined in, showing a nice five-step drop before whistling a pass to Smith.
Center Kevin Love was asked to assess his teammates' football skills and rank them as if he owned the No. 1 overall pick.
''It's tough because if I was starting a team, I would probably say J.R.,'' the big man said. ''But then we got an All-Pro wide receiver out there too in 23 (James). So, it's tough to say.''
-Sports Writer Tom Withers reporting from Cleveland
---
12:35 p.m.
While most NFL cities are buzzing with teams, fans and media getting ready for the draft, things are relatively quiet in New England. At least for one more day.
The Patriots are the only team without a pick on the first day of the draft. They had the 29th pick taken away - along with $1 million - as part of the penalty in the ''Deflategate'' scandal. So there will only 31 picks in the first round.
The Patriots could trade back into the first round, but that's unlikely because commissioner Roger Goodell says he's going to confiscate their highest pick no matter what.
There was no availability at Gillette Stadium on Thursday, though the team was no doubt working behind the scenes to get ready for Days 2 and 3. The Patriots have 11 picks in the next two days, including four in the second and third rounds and five in the sixth round.
---
AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL