Madden Draft Winners and Losers

by pastapadre
Posted April 26th, 2009 at 6:07 am

crabtree49erssm

With the first day of the NFL Draft complete its time to take a look at the actions each team took and what that will mean for them in Madden 10 and beyond. Having the official player ratings for the rookies provides the opportunity to evaluate the immediate impact and future prospects based on their respective teams and situations.

Continue on to see the eight biggest “winners and losers” of the Madden Draft and leave your thoughts in the comments.

Winners

Philadelphia Eagles: WR Jeremy Maclin (79), RB LeSean McCoy (75)
The Eagles come away with two dynamic exciting players. Maclin combined with DeSean Jackson now means defenses have to worry about covering deep on both receivers. Along with Brian Westbrook and Leonard Weaver they add McCoy to a backfield that can all catch and explode for big plays. You can also include the recent addition of Jason Peters when considering what the Eagles have done with their first day.

Seattle Seahawks: OLB Aaron Curry (85), OL Max Unger (75), Broncos 2010 1st round pick
The Seahawks get the highest rated rookie in Madden 10 with Curry. Max Unger provides versatility on the offensive line as he can play any position. The big surprise was obtaining the Broncos first round pick next year which could be very high while still getting the two players they wanted in the first two rounds.

Washington Redskins: OLB/DE Brian Orakpo (82)
It seemed unlikely that Brian Orakpo would fall to the Redskins but he did. He gives them the pass rusher they desperately needed. He’ll have the chance to put up gaudy numbers which means attention when it comes to roster updates.

San Francisco 49ers: WR Michael Crabtree (84), Panthers 2010 1st round pick
Like Seattle the 49ers come away with an impact player in Michael Crabtree and a first round pick next year from the Panthers. They couldn’t draft to improve their pass rush or offensive line in the second round though because of that trade.

Atlanta Falcons: DT Peria Jerry (78), S William Moore (76)
Jerry is the second highest rated DT which is a position they’ve been looking to upgrade since last off-season. Moore was a good value late in the second round. To go along with the acquisition of Tony Gonzalez they have now addressed their most pressing areas of need.

Denver Broncos: RB Knowshon Moreno (81), OLB Robert Ayers (78), CB Alphonso Smith (77), CB Darcel McBath (69), TE Richard Quinn (74)
Unfortunately for the Broncos they gave up their first rounder next year to acquire Smith but they have obtained a bunch of players that can contribute in the game. Moreno is the dynamic RB that they didn’t have. Still they are going to be mediocre at best with Kyle Orton and not having upgraded their defensive line.

Miami Dolphins: CB Vontae Davis (78), QB/WR Pat White (61), CB Sean Smith (75)
The Dolphins grabbed two good cover corners which is an important position in Madden since they are rarely user controlled. Smith specifically is intriguing cause of his height. Pat White may have a low rating but used creatively he offers another offensive weapon to the team.

Cincinnati Bengals: OT Andre Smith (79), ILB Ray Maualuga (80)
Despite the concerns over Smith he remains a highly rated rookie and the Bengals needed the help badly on the offensive line. Maualuga slipped providing an 80 rated player in the second round which was a steal.

Losers

Oakland Raiders: WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (76), S Michael Mitchell (not yet rated – probably will fall in the low 50s)
The Raiders are the laughingstock of the league once again after taking Heyward-Bey as the first WR about 20 picks higher than anyone anticipated him going. Then they go and draft a guy who was the 73rd rated safety by Mel Kiper, neither ESPN nor NFL Network had any highlights or info on him, and was not in the pool of rookies that had been created for Madden 10.

New York Jets: QB Mark Sanchez (77)
I’m a big believer in Mark Sanchez however going to the Jets he may get rushed onto the field before he’s ready. He doesn’t have the college experience of Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco nor did he get to sit like fellow USC alum Matt Cassel. So either Sanchez goes out and struggles early or he sits and doesn’t provide much value in Madden.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Josh Freeman (72)
Similar to Sanchez you have Josh Freeman who isn’t ready to start. He’ll either sit and offer little value or he’ll start and probably struggle meaning people would be stuck with a 72 or so rated QB which is not a good situation in Madden.

Pittsburgh Steelers: DT Evander Hood (74)
The Steelers really needed help on the offensive line and in the secondary. It was thought that they would go and pick one or both with their first two picks. Instead they took a defensive tackle, who while he may be pretty good isn’t going to improve the team in Madden. Then they traded away their second rounder.

Kansas City Chiefs: DE Tyson Jackson (77)
A 3-4 defensive end is not going to add much in Madden. They would’ve been much better off trading down or taking Aaron Curry. With no other picks to supplement that one at least they have their QB in Matt Cassel.

San Diego Chargers: OLB Larry English (75)
There were much higher rated OLB’s on the board. With a position that is already strong in Madden the Chargers could’ve gone elsewhere for a pick that would’ve made a difference this year.

Dallas Cowboys: No picks
The Cowboys are paying for the Roy Williams trade. Then they traded out of the second round. No picks means no help.

Chicago Bears: No picks
The Bears are paying for the Jay Cutler trade. Then they traded out of the second round. No picks means no help. Can’t be too disappointed though now that they finally have their franchise QB.

Tags: latest news

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I disagree that Jets are losers. Sanchez fills a huge need at QB regardless if he is ready to start or not then they pick up a great RB in Shonn Greene. That guy is the most underrated RB in the Big Ten. I think by week 6 we will see Sanchez starting. The guy played in a pro system against some of the best college teams in the nation. Not to mention he played at a high profile program in a hot media outlet so there is no added pressure playing in New York…
http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I disagree that Jets are losers. Sanchez fills a huge need at QB regardless if he is ready to start or not then they pick up a great RB in Shonn Greene. That guy is the most underrated RB in the Big Ten. I think by week 6 we will see Sanchez starting. The guy played in a pro system against some of the best college teams in the nation. Not to mention he played at a high profile program in a hot media outlet so there is no added pressure playing in New York…
http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

Also, I viewed the screenshots of the rookies, which look great. I noticed that Crabtree is sporting the classic jerseys of the Niners. Are they going back to these uniforms as their primary jerseys? I hope so. Those were some of the best.

I also noticed the Lions new number fonts are in the game but the helmets did not appear to be updated….

Cannot wait til August….

http://intensedebate.com/people/badboy49er badboy49er

Actually those are the Niners NEW jerseys this year. I know they look like the classic jerseys but they are slightly different.

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

Also, I viewed the screenshots of the rookies, which look great. I noticed that Crabtree is sporting the classic jerseys of the Niners. Are they going back to these uniforms as their primary jerseys? I hope so. Those were some of the best.

I also noticed the Lions new number fonts are in the game but the helmets did not appear to be updated….

Cannot wait til August….

http://intensedebate.com/people/badboy49er badboy49er

Actually those are the Niners NEW jerseys this year. I know they look like the classic jerseys but they are slightly different.

http://intensedebate.com/people/Mr_EA_Sports Mr_EA_Sports

Quick take: Winners
Philly came out extremely well with the 1st two selections. Maclin was the biggest steal of this draft and McCoy has the resume and skills to spell Westbrook

Seattle got the best interior lineman, the best linebacker and a high 2010 pick via Den (Den won't make the playoffs)

Cincinnati got the best OT this year (I said earlier that he would be a bust but after further review his film doesn't lie) I think his issue is just from being extremely shy but on the football field with a helmet he is a beast. Some examples of shy individuals are Larry Allen as well as Kareem Abdul Jabbar and you see how they turned out. They also got a decent LB and a 1st round pick for next year.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Mr_EA_Sports Mr_EA_Sports

Quick take: Winners
Philly came out extremely well with the 1st two selections. Maclin was the biggest steal of this draft and McCoy has the resume and skills to spell Westbrook

Seattle got the best interior lineman, the best linebacker and a high 2010 pick via Den (Den won't make the playoffs)

Cincinnati got the best OT this year (I said earlier that he would be a bust but after further review his film doesn't lie) I think his issue is just from being extremely shy but on the football field with a helmet he is a beast. Some examples of shy individuals are Larry Allen as well as Kareem Abdul Jabbar and you see how they turned out. They also got a decent LB and a 1st round pick for next year.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Mr_EA_Sports Mr_EA_Sports

Quick take: Losers
Oakland took a one trick pony with bad hands, by the time he learns how to play WR his rookie contract will be up and Oakland will have to pay him another 40 million to keep him

Washington took the LB with all of the workout numbers but I don't see that translating on the field. 1st he went to Texas and if anybody knows it is the worst college atmosphere for any athlete to come from, why? It's too positive and they treat the players like royalty there so when they go pro they can't deal with expectations and pressure i.e. Mike Williams, V. Young, C. Benson, M. Griffin

Denver signed 3 Rb's in the offseason then selected a RB with their 1st pick. This team looks lost as they will probably cut 1 or 2 of the RB's they just picked up. Denver need to concentrate on defense and wasted a pick with a RB.
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/Mr_EA_Sports Mr_EA_Sports

Quick take: Winners
Philly came out extremely well with the 1st two selections. Maclin was the biggest steal of this draft and McCoy has the resume and skills to spell Westbrook

Seattle got the best interior lineman, the best linebacker and a high 2010 pick via Den (Den won't make the playoffs)

Cincinnati got the best OT this year (I said earlier that he would be a bust but after further review his film doesn't lie) I think his issue is just from being extremely shy but on the football field with a helmet on he is a beast. Some examples of shy individuals are Larry Allen as well as Kareem Abdul Jabbar and you see how they turned out. They also got a decent LB and a 1st round pick for next year.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Mr_EA_Sports Mr_EA_Sports

Quick take: Losers
Oakland took a one trick pony with bad hands, by the time he learns how to play WR his rookie contract will be up and Oakland will have to pay him another 40 million to keep him

Washington took the LB with all of the workout numbers but I don't see that translating on the field. 1st he went to Texas and if anybody knows it is the worst college atmosphere for any athlete to come from, why? It's too positive and they treat the players like royalty there so when they go pro they can't deal with expectations and pressure i.e. Mike Williams, V. Young, C. Benson, M. Griffin

Denver signed 3 Rb's in the offseason then selected a RB with their 1st pick. This team looks lost as they will probably cut 1 or 2 of the RB's they just picked up. Denver need to concentrate on defense and wasted a pick with a RB.
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/Mr_EA_Sports Mr_EA_Sports

Quick take: Winners
Philly came out extremely well with the 1st two selections. Maclin was the biggest steal of this draft and McCoy has the resume and skills to spell Westbrook

Seattle got the best interior lineman, the best linebacker and a high 2010 pick via Den (Den won't make the playoffs)

Cincinnati got the best OT this year (I said earlier that he would be a bust but after further review his film doesn't lie) I think his issue is just from being extremely shy but on the football field with a helmet on he is a beast. Some examples of shy individuals are Larry Allen as well as Kareem Abdul Jabbar and you see how they turned out. They also got a decent LB and a 1st round pick for next year.
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/Mr_EA_Sports Mr_EA_Sports

Quick take: Losers
Oakland took a one trick pony with bad hands, by the time he learns how to play WR his rookie contract will be up and Oakland will have to pay him another 40 million to keep him

Washington took the LB with all of the workout numbers but I don't see that translating on the field. 1st he went to Texas and if anybody knows Teaxs is the worst college atmosphere for any athlete to come from, why? It's too positive and they treat the players like royalty there so when they go pro they can't deal with expectations and pressure i.e. Mike Williams, V. Young, C. Benson, M. Griffin

Denver signed 3 Rb's in the offseason then selected a RB with their 1st pick. This team looks lost as they will probably cut 1 or 2 of the RB's they just picked up. Denver need to concentrate on defense and wasted a pick with a RB.
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/Mr_EA_Sports Mr_EA_Sports

Quick take: Losers
Oakland took a one trick pony with bad hands, by the time he learns how to play WR his rookie contract will be up and Oakland will have to pay him another 40 million to keep him

Washington took the LB with all of the workout numbers but I don't see that translating on the field. 1st he went to Texas and if anybody knows Teaxs is the worst college atmosphere for any athlete to come from, why? It's too positive and they treat the players like royalty there so when they go pro they can't deal with expectations and pressure i.e. Mike Williams, V. Young, C. Benson, M. Griffin

Denver signed 3 Rb's in the offseason then selected a RB with their 1st pick. This team looks lost as they will probably cut 1 or 2 of the RB's they just picked up. Denver need to concentrate on defense and wasted a pick with a RB.
23speed

Michael Mitchell isn't good because Kiper and Mayock said so? hahaha, maybe someone should actually watch the kid play. I know the Bears loved him.

blondeviking64

Mel Kiper isnt the only one who didnt think so. I dont buy into hype around players. But I know that there are tons of players who visited tons of teams and played very well in college and didnt even get drafted. Please.

23speed

Michael Mitchell isn't good because Kiper and Mayock said so? hahaha, maybe someone should actually watch the kid play. I know the Bears loved him.

blondeviking64

Mel Kiper isnt the only one who didnt think so. I dont buy into hype around players. But I know that there are tons of players who visited tons of teams and played very well in college and didnt even get drafted. Please.

http://intensedebate.com/people/Mr_EA_Sports Mr_EA_Sports

Also Miami picked up some interesting athletes. I think they are going to run the wildcat into the ground. Expect a ton of misdirection, playaction, hook and lateral, fumblerooski, flea flicker, reverses etc etc.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Mr_EA_Sports Mr_EA_Sports

Also Miami picked up some interesting athletes. I think they are going to run the wildcat into the ground. Expect a ton of misdirection, playaction, hook and lateral, fumblerooski, flea flicker, reverses etc etc.
lowell

hey pasta i was wondering if there are going to be any new facemasks in madden 10?
cause i was looking at the rookie screens and half of them have the wrong facemask
http://intensedebate.com/people/Mr_EA_Sports Mr_EA_Sports

Going a little off subject here but I thought it was funny how Crabtree went into the draft listed as 6'4" and came out 6'1" LOL. That is a huge difference. No matter though because he will still be a good player once SF solidifies their QB.
lowell

hey pasta i was wondering if there are going to be any new facemasks in madden 10?
cause i was looking at the rookie screens and half of them have the wrong facemask
http://intensedebate.com/people/Mr_EA_Sports Mr_EA_Sports

Going a little off subject here but I thought it was funny how Crabtree went into the draft listed as 6'4" and came out 6'1" LOL. That is a huge difference. No matter though because he will still be a good player once SF solidifies their QB.
MAST

Good work. Will there be news this week on Madden 10 and Ncaa 10
MAST

Good work. Will there be news this week on Madden 10 and Ncaa 10
Greg M

are these the actual ratings for madden 10??? if they are does anyone have a link to see all the players ratings??
Greg M

are these the actual ratings for madden 10??? if they are does anyone have a link to see all the players ratings??
Mike Hunt

saints = winners in the draft
Mike Hunt

saints = winners in the draft
MSTFD

Will there be news on Madden 10 and Ncaa 10 this week.
MSTFD

Will there be news on Madden 10 and Ncaa 10 this week.
http://www.maddenstrategy.net/ Hank

If we're talking PURE Madden when talking winners and losers, then the Vikings are an obvious winner.

Berrian on one side, Harvin on the other, with Sid Rice being the height WR, and Shiancoe as a top TE.
Offensive line is now solidified with the huge Loadholt on the right side.
Combine that with AP and Taylor combo in the background with TJack (purely Madden-wise) being tough to stop because of his speed…

I think anyone running the Wildcat with the tools the Vikings have is going to be EXTREMELY tough to stop.
http://www.maddenstrategy.net Hank

If we're talking PURE Madden when talking winners and losers, then the Vikings are an obvious winner.

Berrian on one side, Harvin on the other, with Sid Rice being the height WR, and Shiancoe as a top TE.
Offensive line is now solidified with the huge Loadholt on the right side.
Combine that with AP and Taylor combo in the background with TJack (purely Madden-wise) being tough to stop because of his speed…

I think anyone running the Wildcat with the tools the Vikings have is going to be EXTREMELY tough to stop.
philly g

But the Bears win today buy drafting jarron Gilbert…and Jaquin Iglesias two great picks for 3rd rounders
philly g

But the Bears win today buy drafting jarron Gilbert…and Jaquin Iglesias two great picks for 3rd rounders
http://intensedebate.com/people/Cons1 Cons1

I like the giants. too big wide receivers in nicks and Ramses Barden and travis beckum.
fun team to play with next year.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Cons1 Cons1

I like the giants. too big wide receivers in nicks and Ramses Barden and travis beckum.
fun team to play with next year.
footballgamer

time will tell who made a good pick or not………everyone is going by assumption if they player turns out to be a stud or dud.
footballgamer

time will tell who made a good pick or not………everyone is going by assumption if they player turns out to be a stud or dud.
Kyle

how are the GMENNNNN not winners? they had 3 first day picks, hakeem nicks 78 ovr, clint sintim 74 ovr, and will beatty 76 ovr, CMON NOW PASTA
Kyle

how are the GMENNNNN not winners? they had 3 first day picks, hakeem nicks 78 ovr, clint sintim 74 ovr, and will beatty 76 ovr, CMON NOW PASTA
J-Man

Let's just put it this way, as long as Al Davis is in Oakland, the Raiders will be screwed. He doesn't like to spend money and hell ya never know, Heyward-Bey may be the next Hester, I doubt it, cause he'll be in Oakland, but ya never know. But bad bad investment for now by Al Davis. But yeah, those Redskins, damn, never thought that Orakpo would fall to 13th. All I can hope for is his health and he plays to his full-potential and show what the other teams missed out on when they coulda drafted him.

blondeviking64

Besides, being the next hester means being an average receiver with deep speed and being a great return man who cant really play receiver and return guy over the course of a season and so lost some of his return work. He is dante hall all over again

J-Man

Let's just put it this way, as long as Al Davis is in Oakland, the Raiders will be screwed. He doesn't like to spend money and hell ya never know, Heyward-Bey may be the next Hester, I doubt it, cause he'll be in Oakland, but ya never know. But bad bad investment for now by Al Davis. But yeah, those Redskins, damn, never thought that Orakpo would fall to 13th. All I can hope for is his health and he plays to his full-potential and show what the other teams missed out on when they coulda drafted him.

blondeviking64

Besides, being the next hester means being an average receiver with deep speed and being a great return man who cant really play receiver and return guy over the course of a season and so lost some of his return work. He is dante hall all over again

Phil

Vikings have had a great draft so far. I'm really excited about the Loadholt pick in the 2nd round
Phil

Vikings have had a great draft so far. I'm really excited about the Loadholt pick in the 2nd round
pat oak

get* your brown paper bag ready
pat oak

get* your brown paper bag ready
http://intensedebate.com/people/packfan123 packfan123

how are the packers my team not a winner? they get bj raji a instant impact on the defense who can get in there immediately and play for the packers day 1 in there new 3-4 defense, and they trade back into the first round to get clay matthews from SC to be on the opposite side of aaron kampman of the OLB and now the packers have a stellar front 7 Aaron Kampman, AJ Hawk, Nick Barnett, Clay Mathews, DE Justin Harell (07 1st round pick), BJ Raji, Cullen Jenkins. WOW great looking front 7 i might add. Nonetheless the packers now have a good looking defense coming into madden 10 and the nfl regular season.

Joe

Exactly..

http://intensedebate.com/people/packfan123 packfan123

how are the packers my team not a winner? they get bj raji a instant impact on the defense who can get in there immediately and play for the packers day 1 in there new 3-4 defense, and they trade back into the first round to get clay matthews from SC to be on the opposite side of aaron kampman of the OLB and now the packers have a stellar front 7 Aaron Kampman, AJ Hawk, Nick Barnett, Clay Mathews, DE Justin Harell (07 1st round pick), BJ Raji, Cullen Jenkins. WOW great looking front 7 i might add. Nonetheless the packers now have a good looking defense coming into madden 10 and the nfl regular season.

Joe

Exactly..

Alex Rodriguez

when do the embargoes end?
Alex Rodriguez

when do the embargoes end?
GREG CAMARILLO

pat white will be so fun to use on madden
GREG CAMARILLO

pat white will be so fun to use on madden