Super Bowl XLVI is history, and the NFL draft begins on April 26. If you still have a buzz from the Super Bowl’s exciting finish and are already getting out your draft sheets to begin your analysis (I don’t do this, but boy, there are people who do, and that’s pretty hardcore), then Panini America has something to whet your appetite.

Panini alluded to a new product in an early January post on its website blog, keeping it under wraps like a football player would guard his team’s playbook. We should have known. Panini’s newest NFL product is scheduled for an April 4 release and will be called 2011 Panini Playbook football (there’s that 2011 designation again. I get it that the cards depict stars from the 2011 season, but arrgh, it’s 2012 ...). It’s going to be a high-end product, but I like the concept.

The set will feature four cards to a pack, and 10 packs to a box. Here’s what that one pack will contain: One on-card signed prime-memorabilia-piece Rookie Premiere Booklet, one rookie autograph and one memorabilia card. The fourth card will contain either another autograph, a prime-piece memorabilia card or a booklet card.

Panini Playbook will have a 136-card base set that will include 50 common signatures numbered to 99 or less, 50 Rookies Signature Silver cards numbered to 299 or less, and 36 Rookies Booklet Silver cards numbered to 399 or less.

That’s just the beginning. Some collectors will unwrap Chronicle Signatures Booklets, which will be numbered to 10 or less and contain up to eight autographs. Others could find Playbook Materials Booklets, another hinge-like card that will include up to eight pieces of game-worn memorabilia and numbered to 49 or less.

There’s more. The Accolades Signatures autographs will feature current stars and fan favorites from the past. Those cards also will be numbered to 49 or less. I like the Accolades based on the Charles Woodson card I saw (and am featuring in this post). Bold block letters at the top, with the player’s name and team also in block letters with a black background. The autograph is large and bold and is positioned under a feathered photo of the player. Very attractive.

There also will be Limited Edition Materials memorabilia cards featuring top NFL stars and retired greats—again, numbered to 49 or less.

I also like the Mammoth memorabilia card featuring Calvin Johnson. I mean, not only is that a large swatch, it’s multi-colored. If all are like then, well, that’s pretty nice.

I always say this, but if you have the means to buy something like this, then it is probably worth the effort (and the cash). If you don’t, well, don’t sweat it.

Since every card is a hit of some sort, it’s hard to lose. Of course, buyer beware, everyone is not going to get a low-numbered Cam Newton card, for example. But that’s the gamble one takes. I’d have to think that opening the product would be fun, and certainly thrilling. I mean, if I opened a pack and saw four autographs of former stars like Dan Marino, Boomer Esiason, Phil Simms and Shannon Sharpe on one booklet card, well, I’d be excited.

Panini promises to reveal more “pages” from its Playbook in future news releases. Stay tuned.