[Short]

I think its really hard to predict at this time, because the cover player usually has something to do with a new or improved aspect of the game. Vick was on the cover of the Madden 2004 game because of the new "Playmaker" ability. Ray Lewis was on last year's cover because of the improved defense ("Fear the D"). It all depends on what new features EA Sports plans on including in Madden 2006.

QBs: I think, with his 3rd superbowl ring, Tom Brady has earned a shot at the cover. Peyton Manning, of course, deserves it because of his once-in-a-lifetime wonder season. McNabb and Culpepper are both worthy, but they have virtually no shot after what Manning and Brady have done.

RBs: The field is crowded here, no HB really stands out from last years class. There's Curtis Martin, Shaun Alexander, LaDanian Tomlinson, Kevin Jones, Julius Jones...but out of respect (and because I'm a Jets fan), my vote would be for 2005 rushing champ Curtis Martin.

WRs: Terrell Owens. Enough said.

TEs: Gotta go with Antonio Gates here, for the young and explosive image, even though Tony Gonzalez is the best in the game. I highly doubt a TE will ever grace the cover of Madden.

D-Line: Its a two man race here, between Julius Peppers and Dwight Freeney. I think Peppers would make a better cover boy becuase he's more well known that Freeney.

Linebackers: Ray Lewis is out, because he already had his turn. I don't think we'll be seeing another LB on the cover of Madden for quite some time, but if for some reason a LB winds up on the cover of next year's game, it should be Brian Urlacher or Takeo Spikes.

D-Backs: Not much competition for defensive POY Ed Reed.


With all that said, I think its really a 3 man race between Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Terrell Owens. I'd love to see Owens on the cover because...well...he's my favorite player.