It’s just about Super Bowl time. Get ready for the big party and the big screen because after this, it’s all just a breeze until baseball season starts and the draft comes.


A Nor'easter Comes to Arizona

As if the Patriots hype wasn't bad enough, the other 3/4 plus of the country has to listen to all the Giants talk now as well. For those people that live past Port Jervis, New York and still really care about this game, here's to you. I live in the area and don't care about it. I've already got my draft sheets ready and my computer rigged to play CCR's "Centerfield" the minute the fantasy baseball leagues open up.

The game brings the scorching hot Giants up against the team they ended the regular season against. While that game was close, I don't really expect this one to be. In fact, if you read last week's article, you would have seen my prediction of 45-21, New England. Maybe that was a bit high. I'm going to tone it down to a more reasonable score this week. Let's say something like: 38-21, New England. That sounds better. I take the seven points away based on a Yahoo! story on Logan Mankins beard and an anonymous source that told me Brady was having trouble with the handoffs when he gave his girlfriend flowers last week.

Things You'd Know If You Had As Much Time As Me

If you really hadn't been paying attention this week here's some of the small things that happened: Michael Strahan has a big gap in his teeth. I don't think anyone else knew this before this week. I really don't know whether to insert a quarter or kick a field goal. I'm amazed that some people are seriously just finding this out... Romeo Crennel signed an extension to stay in Cleveland. Now if they can just sign those wins to an extension too.... Larry Fitzgerald says he wants to stay in the desert. Someone should tell him that just because the Super Bowl is in Arizona this week does not mean he'll be playing in it any time soon…Finally, John Lynch may be retiring. If he does, he leaves behind a wake of woozy backs, receivers and tight ends that met his shoulder pads square on.

Looking at the Draft

1. Glenn Dorsey (DE, LSU) 6'2"/ 316: That's a lot of weight on a relatively short frame for a lineman, but even with many scouts getting a little sour on Dorsey, I'm still saying he's the clear cut #1.
2. Jake Long (OT, Michigan) 6'7"/ 317: Now this is the size you want making holes for you and protecting your QB. Long is also relatively quick for a man of his stature and should be a great addition to any team that can get their hands on him. Maybe St. Louis can get someone that actually keeps Marc Bulger in a game.
3. Chris Long (DE, Virginia) 6'4"/ 275: A master technician, Long doesn't have the athleticism of some of his peers. What sets him apart is his great technique and his smart instincts. 
   
4. Sedrick Ellis (DT, USC) 6'1"/ 305: Once again, a smaller guy, but Ellis can be summed up with one word: hands. This guy uses his hands like a masseuse just kneading and rolling his way through O-Lines. While his size may come into question, it will be his hands that get him a high pick.
   
5. Sam Baker (OT, USC) 6'5/ 312: If Baker could gain a little more raw power he could sneak his way into the discussion for number one, but as for now, his hands (notice the USC- hands things going on) keep him up in the top five. With a great build for the position, relatively good speed for his size and a sweet shaved head, grungy beard combo, Baker will find many a suitor for his pass blocking specialties.

1. Dan Connor (ILB, Penn State) 6'3"/ 232: Anyone that has seen an episode of Roseanne knows that John Goodman's Dan Connor looked like a footballer too. The difference is, this one's young and ready to unload some pain on opposing tight ends and running backs.
2. Mike Jenkins (CB, S. Florida) 6'0"/ 200: While I'd rather see something in the mid-4.4's from Jenkins on his 40, I think he'll improve that number by the combine. Also, Jenkins physical play fits in with many of the newer aggressive style defenses being used.
3. Terrell Thomas (CB, USC) 6'1"/ 198: I may be undervaluing Thomas a little, but I think these top three players are basically interchangeable. Thomas brings what Jenkins doesn't to the table: flat out speed. On top of that however, he can play physical and uses his height well.
4. Mike Jenkins (OLB, USC) 6'3"/ 235: Those USC guys seem to come in pairs. Rivers played it smart and stuck it out one more year at Southern Cal and reaped the benefits. His solid play all year has pushed him towards the top of the rankings and he might be one of the better picks in this whole draft.
5. Antoine Cason (CB, Arizona) 6'1"/ 190: The speed will be the only question mark next to Cason. The top QB in college could make things easier for himself and become the number one defensive back out there with a good run at the combine.
   
   

WAIT A MINUTE MR. POSTMAN

Keep the emails and PM's coming so we can keep Monday Morning QB's from tossing some bad picks. To get your questions answered, PM TheSnake at FPM or email pick_six@hotmail.com. Keep checking your lineups and keep racking up points.