NBA Analyst Explains Why Celtics Still Need Jayson Tatum Despite Shocking Dominance originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Boston Celtics have been shockingly phenomenal without Jayson Tatum this season, going41-21 in his absence. They've been stellar on both ends of the floor, ranking second in offensive rating and sixth in defensive rating.However, they still need Tatum, especially if they want to make a deep playoff run and compete for a title this spring.The Celtics proved that over the last week during their blowout losses to the Denver Nuggets and Charlotte Hornets. They've been a great regular-season team but still struggle against elite competition.NBA analyst Jason Timpf explained why Boston still needs Tatum on Thursday's episode of "The Herd" with Colin Cowherd."This has been a very impressive season for Boston but they need Jayson Tatum."@colincowherd and @_JasonLT react to breaking news that Jayson Tatum could make his season debut Friday vs the Mavs pic.twitter.com/38rLqJBX53 Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) March 5, 2026One reason is that Tatum gives the Celtics' defense more versatility with his ability to guard centers on switches."Jayson Tatum's ability to guard centers gave the Celtics the ability to switch most ball screens, and it was one of the primary driving forces behind them winning the title, most famously breaking that Dallas offense by putting Tatum on centers and switching all of those ball screens," Timpf said. "They need Jayson Tatum. He unlocks their defensive versatility."Another reason is that Tatum helps unlock Boston's offense with his passing and scoring ability, taking a lot of the offensive pressure off Jaylen Brown."Jayson Tatum gives you another guy who can kind of alleviate that burden on Jaylen Brown. Specifically, Jayson Tatum is a much better passer," Timpf added. "Ultimately, it will make them more versatile on both ends of the floor and make them a much better team against the best competition around the league."Fortunately for the Celtics, Tatum may return as soon as Friday, giving him over a month to get back in the swing of things before the playoffs.More NBA:Celtics Fans Will Love This Dominique Wilkins-Jayson Tatum Comparison

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Fernando Mendoza won a Heisman Trophy, led Indiana to its first national championship and will be the No. 1 overall pick when the Las Vegas Raiders are on the clock next month.The rest of the NFL draft isnt that clear-cut. Its not even a certainty another quarterback will be selected in the first round after Mendoza, though Ty Simpson made a strong case at the scouting combine.Heres the first edition of the APs 2026 mock draft in order of picks without any projected trades:1. Las Vegas Raiders: FERNANDO MENDOZA, QB, INDIANAMendoza is a precise pocket passer with prototypical size, poise and maturity. The Raiders have some playmakers Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty but must build around Mendoza and protect him. Mendoza should benefit from having part-owner Tom Brady around for advice. The Raiders haven't won a playoff game since losing the Super Bowl following the 2002 season and have only reached the postseason twice in that span. They need Mendoza to be a franchise QB.2. New York Jets: ARVELL REESE, EDGE RUSHER, OHIO STATEReese is a freak athlete he ran a 4.47 40-yard dash who played off-ball linebacker and standup edge. He has the talent to be an elite edge rusher and the Jets need a cant-miss prospect.3. Arizona Cardinals: DAVID BAILEY, EDGE RUSHER, TEXAS TECHBailey is mocked as high as No. 2 on many draft boards. Hes another immensely athletic edge with elite upside. If the Cardinals dont trade down to add more draft capital, hes an ideal fit.4. Tennessee Titans: RUEBEN BAIN JR., EDGE RUSHER, MIAMIBain is a versatile rusher who can line up on the edge or inside against guards, creating mismatches. Hell be a huge asset for new coach Robert Saleh.5. New York Giants: FRANCIS MAUIGOA, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, MIAMIProtecting Jaxson Dart is a priority for the Giants. Mauigoa is a three-year starter at right tackle who would instantly upgrade New Yorks offensive line.6. Cleveland Browns: KADYN PROCTOR, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, ALABAMAProctor started at left tackle as a true freshman and allowed just two sacks in his three seasons. The Browns need to overhaul their offensive line and Proctor is a great start. He has great size 6-foot-7, 352 pounds and plenty of athleticism. Proctor even had five runs for 16 yards.7. Washington Commanders: SONNY STYLES, LINEBACKER, OHIO STATEStyles impressive combine performance helped him soar into the top five on many draft boards. The Commanders have needs on offense but cant pass up a gifted defensive player like Styles.8. New Orleans Saints: CARNELL TATE, WIDE RECEIVER, OHIO STATETate has been compared to Chris Olave and would end up playing with him. Hes a consistent route runner with excellent hands and enough speed to be a top playmaker.9. Kansas City Chiefs: JEREMIYAH LOVE, RUNNING BACK, NOTRE DAMEThe Chiefs need to help Patrick Mahomes with better blocking and more receivers. Love immediately takes pressure off Mahomes and the passing game, giving the offense a playmaker who can go the distance every touch.10. Cincinnati Bengals: MANSOOR DELANE, CORNERBACK, TULANEDelane is the best cover corner in the draft. Hell provide a significant boost for a defense that has struggled.11. Miami Dolphins: JERMOD MCCOY, CORNERBACK, TENNESSEEMcCoy is a consistent player with outstanding ball skills. The Dolphins could look at a receiver to replace Tyreek Hill but new coach Jeff Hafley is a former defensive coordinator and McCoy is a player who can anchor the secondary.12. Dallas Cowboys: KELDRIC FAULK, EDGE RUSHER, AUBURNScouts rave about Faulks leadership and he has obvious talent. An ideal fit for the Cowboys, who are trying to replace Micah Parsons production.13. Los Angeles Rams: CALEB DOWNS, SAFETY, OHIO STATEDowns is an elite, versatile playmaker who only slips this far because of knee concerns that cropped up at the combine. Adding Downs after acquiring All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie solidifies the Rams secondary.14. Baltimore Ravens: OLAIVAVEGA IOANE, GUARD, PENN STATEIoane fills a big need for the Ravens and fits their run-blocking scheme nicely.15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CJ ALLEN, LINEBACKER, GEORGIAAllen is one of the most versatile linebackers in the draft and can take over as the defensive play-caller if Lavonte David retires.16. New York Jets: MONROE FREELING, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, GEORGIAThe Jets bolster the other side of the trenches with their second pick in the first half of the first round. Freeling has elite athleticism and just needs more experience.17. Detroit Lions: SPENCER FANO, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, UTAHFano could be long gone by the time the Lions pick due to his natural talent. He slips because short arms have become a big topic since the Super Bowl.18. Minnesota Vikings: DILLON THIENEMAN, SAFETY, OREGONThieneman had an impressive combine, running a 4.36 40-yard dash that was faster than some of the NFLs best receivers. A three-year starter, hell step right into Brian Flores defense.19. Carolina Panthers: AKHEEM MESIDOR, EDGE RUSHER, MIAMIMesidor is an older prospect at age 25 but his talent is clear on video. Hell generate pressure from the outside and is solid against the run.20. Dallas Cowboys: AVIEON TERRELL, CORNERBACK, CLEMSONAn athletic cornerback who immediately gives Dallas and new defensive coordinator Christian Parker an impact starter.21. Pittsburgh Steelers: TY SIMPSON, QUARTERBACK, ALABAMASimpson could finally be Pittsburghs long-term answer at quarterback with a chance to develop under coach Mike McCarthy.22. Los Angeles Chargers: KENYON SADIQ, TIGHT END, OREGONHes the best tight end in the draft. Could quickly become Justin Herberts favorite target.23. Philadelphia Eagles: CALEB LOMU, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, UTAHThe Eagles often take offensive or defensive linemen in the first round and have a need. Lomu is an eventual successor to Lane Johnson at right tackle.24. Cleveland Browns: CALEB BANKS, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, FLORIDABanks will need more seasoning after playing in just three games last year due to injury but his raw talent is off the charts.25. Chicago Bears: KAYDEN MCDONALD, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, OHIO STATEMcDonald is another Buckeyes player going in the first round. Hes a natural run defender wholl clog the middle of the line.26. Buffalo Bills: DENZEL BOSTON, WIDE RECEIVER, WASHINGTONBoston is strong, fast and has elite ball skills. He gives Josh Allen a target he needs.27. San Francisco 49ers: MALACHI FIELDS, WIDE RECEIVER, NOTRE DAMEThe 49ers also need an offensive tackle but theyre going to have to rebuild their receiver corps. Fields is a tough, physical wideout who is a red zone threat.28. Houston Texans: MAX IHEANACHOR, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, ARIZONA STATEThe Texans need to protect C.J. Stroud better. Iheanachor is an athletic former basketball player with ideal size who will need time to develop but projects as a potential starter right away.29. Kansas City Chiefs: BLAKE MILLER, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, CLEMSONMiller started 54 games in college and can step right in and play for the Chiefs, who need to bolster protection for Mahomes.30. Denver Broncos: MAKAI LEMON, WIDE RECEIVER, USCLemon is an elite playmaker wholl give Bo Nix another option and bolster the Broncos offense.31. New England Patriots: ZION YOUNG, EDGE RUSHER, MISSOURIYoung is a disruptive force who brings energy and leadership. Should fit well with coach Mike Vrabel.32. Seattle Seahawks: BRANDON CISSE, CORNERBACK, SOUTH CAROLINAThe Super Bowl champions improve the leagues best defense by adding another defensive back from South Carolina after hitting the jackpot with Nick Emmanwori last year.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL

Fernando Mendoza won a Heisman Trophy, led Indiana to its first national championship and will be the No. 1 overall pick when the Las Vegas Raiders are on the clock next month.The rest of the NFL draft isnt that clear-cut. Its not even a certainty another quarterback will be selected in the first round after Mendoza, though Ty Simpson made a strong case at the scouting combine.Heres the first edition of the APs 2026 mock draft in order of picks without any projected trades:1. Las Vegas Raiders: FERNANDO MENDOZA, QB, INDIANAMendoza is a precise pocket passer with prototypical size, poise and maturity. The Raiders have some playmakers Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty but must build around Mendoza and protect him. Mendoza should benefit from having part-owner Tom Brady around for advice. The Raiders haven't won a playoff game since losing the Super Bowl following the 2002 season and have only reached the postseason twice in that span. They need Mendoza to be a franchise QB.2. New York Jets: ARVELL REESE, EDGE RUSHER, OHIO STATEReese is a freak athlete he ran a 4.47 40-yard dash who played off-ball linebacker and standup edge. He has the talent to be an elite edge rusher and the Jets need a cant-miss prospect.3. Arizona Cardinals: DAVID BAILEY, EDGE RUSHER, TEXAS TECHBailey is mocked as high as No. 2 on many draft boards. Hes another immensely athletic edge with elite upside. If the Cardinals dont trade down to add more draft capital, hes an ideal fit.4. Tennessee Titans: RUEBEN BAIN JR., EDGE RUSHER, MIAMIBain is a versatile rusher who can line up on the edge or inside against guards, creating mismatches. Hell be a huge asset for new coach Robert Saleh.5. New York Giants: FRANCIS MAUIGOA, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, MIAMIProtecting Jaxson Dart is a priority for the Giants. Mauigoa is a three-year starter at right tackle who would instantly upgrade New Yorks offensive line.6. Cleveland Browns: KADYN PROCTOR, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, ALABAMAProctor started at left tackle as a true freshman and allowed just two sacks in his three seasons. The Browns need to overhaul their offensive line and Proctor is a great start. He has great size 6-foot-7, 352 pounds and plenty of athleticism. Proctor even had five runs for 16 yards.7. Washington Commanders: SONNY STYLES, LINEBACKER, OHIO STATEStyles impressive combine performance helped him soar into the top five on many draft boards. The Commanders have needs on offense but cant pass up a gifted defensive player like Styles.8. New Orleans Saints: CARNELL TATE, WIDE RECEIVER, OHIO STATETate has been compared to Chris Olave and would end up playing with him. Hes a consistent route runner with excellent hands and enough speed to be a top playmaker.9. Kansas City Chiefs: JEREMIYAH LOVE, RUNNING BACK, NOTRE DAMEThe Chiefs need to help Patrick Mahomes with better blocking and more receivers. Love immediately takes pressure off Mahomes and the passing game, giving the offense a playmaker who can go the distance every touch.10. Cincinnati Bengals: MANSOOR DELANE, CORNERBACK, TULANEDelane is the best cover corner in the draft. Hell provide a significant boost for a defense that has struggled.11. Miami Dolphins: JERMOD MCCOY, CORNERBACK, TENNESSEEMcCoy is a consistent player with outstanding ball skills. The Dolphins could look at a receiver to replace Tyreek Hill but new coach Jeff Hafley is a former defensive coordinator and McCoy is a player who can anchor the secondary.12. Dallas Cowboys: KELDRIC FAULK, EDGE RUSHER, AUBURNScouts rave about Faulks leadership and he has obvious talent. An ideal fit for the Cowboys, who are trying to replace Micah Parsons production.13. Los Angeles Rams: CALEB DOWNS, SAFETY, OHIO STATEDowns is an elite, versatile playmaker who only slips this far because of knee concerns that cropped up at the combine. Adding Downs after acquiring All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie solidifies the Rams secondary.14. Baltimore Ravens: OLAIVAVEGA IOANE, GUARD, PENN STATEIoane fills a big need for the Ravens and fits their run-blocking scheme nicely.15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CJ ALLEN, LINEBACKER, GEORGIAAllen is one of the most versatile linebackers in the draft and can take over as the defensive play-caller if Lavonte David retires.16. New York Jets: MONROE FREELING, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, GEORGIAThe Jets bolster the other side of the trenches with their second pick in the first half of the first round. Freeling has elite athleticism and just needs more experience.17. Detroit Lions: SPENCER FANO, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, UTAHFano could be long gone by the time the Lions pick due to his natural talent. He slips because short arms have become a big topic since the Super Bowl.18. Minnesota Vikings: DILLON THIENEMAN, SAFETY, OREGONThieneman had an impressive combine, running a 4.36 40-yard dash that was faster than some of the NFLs best receivers. A three-year starter, hell step right into Brian Flores defense.19. Carolina Panthers: AKHEEM MESIDOR, EDGE RUSHER, MIAMIMesidor is an older prospect at age 25 but his talent is clear on video. Hell generate pressure from the outside and is solid against the run.20. Dallas Cowboys: AVIEON TERRELL, CORNERBACK, CLEMSONAn athletic cornerback who immediately gives Dallas and new defensive coordinator Christian Parker an impact starter.21. Pittsburgh Steelers: TY SIMPSON, QUARTERBACK, ALABAMASimpson could finally be Pittsburghs long-term answer at quarterback with a chance to develop under coach Mike McCarthy.22. Los Angeles Chargers: KENYON SADIQ, TIGHT END, OREGONHes the best tight end in the draft. Could quickly become Justin Herberts favorite target.23. Philadelphia Eagles: CALEB LOMU, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, UTAHThe Eagles often take offensive or defensive linemen in the first round and have a need. Lomu is an eventual successor to Lane Johnson at right tackle.24. Cleveland Browns: CALEB BANKS, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, FLORIDABanks will need more seasoning after playing in just three games last year due to injury but his raw talent is off the charts.25. Chicago Bears: KAYDEN MCDONALD, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, OHIO STATEMcDonald is another Buckeyes player going in the first round. Hes a natural run defender wholl clog the middle of the line.26. Buffalo Bills: DENZEL BOSTON, WIDE RECEIVER, WASHINGTONBoston is strong, fast and has elite ball skills. He gives Josh Allen a target he needs.27. San Francisco 49ers: MALACHI FIELDS, WIDE RECEIVER, NOTRE DAMEThe 49ers also need an offensive tackle but theyre going to have to rebuild their receiver corps. Fields is a tough, physical wideout who is a red zone threat.28. Houston Texans: MAX IHEANACHOR, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, ARIZONA STATEThe Texans need to protect C.J. Stroud better. Iheanachor is an athletic former basketball player with ideal size who will need time to develop but projects as a potential starter right away.29. Kansas City Chiefs: BLAKE MILLER, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, CLEMSONMiller started 54 games in college and can step right in and play for the Chiefs, who need to bolster protection for Mahomes.30. Denver Broncos: MAKAI LEMON, WIDE RECEIVER, USCLemon is an elite playmaker wholl give Bo Nix another option and bolster the Broncos offense.31. New England Patriots: ZION YOUNG, EDGE RUSHER, MISSOURIYoung is a disruptive force who brings energy and leadership. Should fit well with coach Mike Vrabel.32. Seattle Seahawks: BRANDON CISSE, CORNERBACK, SOUTH CAROLINAThe Super Bowl champions improve the leagues best defense by adding another defensive back from South Carolina after hitting the jackpot with Nick Emmanwori last year.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL

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