Patriots fans are probably as jubilant as these cheerleaders right about now. Not only is their team closing in on a perfect season, but they could also have the number two pick in the draft. Number two. And if you believe mock drafts that are done in early December, that means they could snare Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, or maybe Ohio State's James Laurinaitis, who would inject some youth in their linebacking corp.

Why do the Pats have this pick? Because the San Francisco 49ers traded it in order to snare New England's first rounder from last season. They used that selection to draft offensive tackle Joe Staley, who has, by all accounts, had an up and down year. In fairness, many people thought San Francisco would at least contend for the playoffs this year, so at the time it didn't seem like such a gamble. Add into it the fact that the Patriots had their first round pick taken away from them for cheating, and the deal looks even better from their end.

It's doubtful the 49ers will have a selection outside the top three when it's all said and done. While they do have three out of their next four games at home, three are against teams likely to be in the playoffs or fighting for a playoff spot. They face Adrian Peterson and the Vikings this week, followed by the Bengals and Buccaneers, then finish up the season on the road at Cleveland.

The 49ers have do have a little competition for the number two overall pick. The Jets have a tough road, but should win at least one game, probably at home Week 17 against Kansas City. St. Louis has been playing better, but home games against Green Bay and Pittsburgh remain. Still, the Atlanta Falcons loom as the biggest challenger for the number two pick. They have been horrible, losing their last three games by the average score of 30-12. The Falcons remaining games are at home against the Saints, at Tampa, at Arizona and a final home game vs. Seattle.

So, with Miami having spent the number two overall pick on Ronnie Brown a few years ago, and Atlanta desperately needing a quarterback, it may take the 49ers winning a game or two to elevate them out of the top five, and keeping the Patriots away from Darren McFadden.

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