After this year’s Superbowl I wrote an article for this very website, “My year and the NFL”, explaining how I found my first season in following the NFL closely (or as closely as I could), getting into it, trying to learn a little more about the ins and outs of American football, follow the stories of the season and what-not. Having got into this, and through the first season, I found myself post-Superbowl wondering how much interest there could really be in the months ‘til September to keep the average fan paying attention.

I asked my brother-in-law about this, as he is pretty much the answer-man when I have an NFL question, and in hindsight, his assurance that there is plenty to keep you going over the summer was correct.

The pre-draft coverage was possibly what surprised me the most. I expected the mass of news stories for any possible, occurring or rumoured trades and contract negotiations. You get a lot of it in soccer, with the difference of soccer teams being able to simply buy players. But the system for young players is different, with players being nurtured through a youth training system owned and run by the club. Another reason that led to my surprise was I’d read at the start of the 2005 season that many #1 draft picks end up costing teams for more than their performance really merits. So when the frenzy began surrounding the likes of Reggie Bush and Vince Young I found it a little odd. Who would the Texans pick? What positions do the 49ers most need from the draft? Would the Jets be better trading up to get a few draft picks and see if they could fill a few positions and make the team better overall? Who is the best draft prospect? I didn’t really realise that the draft was seen as having such a huge impact on the league. Part of the reason for this is that in soccer young players can get a substitute appearance as young as 16 or 17 even at high levels of the game, but- unless they are extremely talented and reasonably well developed physically- will usually be given the odd game here and there.

In the NFL draft however, the players have for the most part played 3 or 4 years, so they know what the game’s about, they’ve mostly got the physical requisites, so it’s just sharpening up their play for the big time against the experienced players that they all need to do. That’s the major difference, and that’s what I hadn’t really considered until quite near to the draft itself. Going into the draft and following it on the internet, I was amazed at how many deals are made on the day of the draft, though having read about Jay Cutler and his potential it was pleasing to see my team, the Broncos, trade up the draft order to get him.

Overall I was pretty pleased with how the Broncos did in the off-season. Seems they did well enough in the draft (all being well, having got Plummer’s successor in the process), and in the off-season aswell. They got rid of Ashley Lelie who I’ve never been much of a fan of, brought in Javon Walker who is coming off an injury but from what I can gather is a talented player who will bring a little more physicality to the role. Mike Bell as the choice for running back is a surprising choice, but a Broncos running back should get yards and touchdowns, and Tatum Bell will always be there too, so I’m not worried about that.

My final confusion was over how much attention Fantasy Football is given. Sure, for soccer we get our fair share of fantasy games, through websites and newspapers and what-not, but nothing like the major NFL sites, which have whole articles about fantasy stats and news, aswell as staff who’s job is related only to fantasy leagues. Still, this was all very helpful as in my fantasy league’s live draft this year I was actually able to participate this year instead of having to let my team be auto-drafted, and I think I did a good job, with Manning and Plummer as my quarter-backs of choice, Tiki Barber as my main running back, Chad Johnson as my top receiver amongst other players.

So, in any pre-season article it’s reasonable to expect a few predictions, so despite the considerable possibility for humiliation for the barely-initiated such as myself, I feel obliged to make a few predictions so here they are…

Superbowl champions:
Ugh, I really don’t know… I will go out on a limb and say…. The Indianapolis Colts. They’ll finally not choke, etc. etc. I think if they’re going to do it led by Manning it’s got to be this year. That’s a bold statement, but if I’m going to make a fool of myself I might aswell do it properly. I was considering going for the Panthers but I’m still not entirely convinced for one reason or another, and I don’t see the Seahawks going all the way this year.

Most improved team:
On paper I’d say it should be the Cardinals, I think they can get 2nd spot in the division based on their team changes and their schedule, but obviously it all depends on whether they really click, so it’s a case of wait and see.

How far will the Broncos get?
I’m gonna say AFC championship game as a minimum. Famous last words, perhaps, as they have a hell of a schedule this year.

Most disappointing team?
Washington Redskins. Brunell is a decent QB but from what I’ve seen I don’t think, despite his added options for passing this year, he’s the man to take them much further than they got last year.

Other predictions and Random thoughts:
-As pointed out by my brother-in-law after Randy Lerner purchased English footy team Aston Villa, it’s interesting that Aston Villa play Manchester United (owned of course, by Tampa Bay owner Malcom Glazer) on the same weekend that the Bucs play the Browns.

-As it stands, I intend to get to Week 6 as a minimum for PFC’s Survivor section of the Pick’ems game.

-The draft is designed so the worst teams get the best players. But if they also end up paying those players extortionate amounts of money, how is that a truly fair system?

-I say there will be no major surprises in NFL Week 1.

-After all the hype last year about a potential “Manning Bowl”, Peyton vs Eli on Sunday will be an anti-climax anyway.