Madden Draft Analysis
April 27, 2008 by pastapadre
With the 2008 NFL Draft now complete it is time to look at which teams improved their rosters the most for Madden 09. Continue on to view my breakdown of each team’s potential instant impact picks for this year. Be sure to vote in the poll at the end for which team had the best Madden Draft.
Arizona: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Calais Campbell, Early Doucet
The Cards needed a corner and Rodgers-Cromartie will have the skills to do well in Madden possibly even better than Leodis McKelvin given his edge in height and speed. Expect a rating of 80-82 for him. Campbell and Doucet will have the opportunity to contribute as well. (Grade: B+)
Atlanta: Matt Ryan, Sam Baker, Curtis Lofton, Chevis Jackson
Ryan was a necessary choice but most rookie QB’s don’t contribute right away as his rating will be only slightly higher than those already on the roster. These are all basically players who’ll improve the Falcons but aren’t going to help all that much right away in Madden. (GRADE: B-)
Baltimore: Joe Flacco, Ray Rice
The Ravens obviously needed to get their QB of the future, but QB’s of the future aren’t going to help right away in the game. Ray Rice is a nice addition to get some carries and give Willis McGahee a rest. They also got Fabian Washington. Just don’t see this weekend as having made them that much better for Madden this year. (GRADE: B-)
Buffalo: Leodis McKelvin, James Hardy
These are two significant additions for the Bills. They get the CB they needed who can also contribute in the return game and they get Hardy who is the type of receiver that can outplay his overall rating thanks to his height. For a duo of draft picks the Bills couldn’t have done any better given their needs and draft positioning. (GRADE: A)
Carolina: Jonathan Stewart, Jeff Otah, Dan Connor
The Panthers really solidified their running game by picking up Stewart to match with DeAngelo Williams while getting one of the top level tackles. Connor is a guy that slipped but should have a higher rating than his draft spot suggests. But they still have a big weakness at QB for Madden. (GRADE: A-)
Chicago: Chris Williams, Matt Forte
The Bears have now upgraded the running game and the pick of Chris Williams gives them what will be one of the best rated tackles this year. Biggest problem is they still don’t have a QB although Grossman is manageable as a starter in Madden and they have weakness at WR. (GRADE: B-)
Cincinnati: Keith Rivers, Jerome Simpson
These two players address their need at LB and at WR. Rivers will be in the starting lineup and should have a rating of 80-82. Simpson can fill in now at WR and should get a lot of action but there were ones still on the board such as DeSean Jackson and Limas Sweed that will be better in the game. (GRADE: B+)
Cleveland: None
The Browns added no one that will make an instant impact in Madden. They weren’t expected to given the lack of picks but nonetheless the draft will not have given them any sort of boost so they get the worst grade out of it. (GRADE: F)
Dallas: Felix Jones, Mike Jenkins
Felix Jones being taken over Rashard Mendenhall is what causes the minus here but overall the Cowboys did what they had to do. They needed a RB to mix in with Marion Barber and they needed another CB even if Pacman Jones is cleared to play this year. Jones should be rated around an 80 and Jenkins an 82. (GRADE: A-)
Denver: Ryan Clady, Eddie Royal
It never hurts to draft one of the better tackles although they don’t instantly upgrade the offensive line in Madden. Royal was a curious selection but his 4.39 40 means he’ll be one of the fastest rookies so he’ll be an asset as a returner as well as for potential big plays. (GRADE: B)
Detroit: Gosder Cherilus, Jordon Dizon, Kevin Smith, Cliff Avril
I really liked Detroit’s draft for how well it’ll play into this year’s Madden. As mentioned several times now offensive tackles are highly desired and the Lions needed one on the right side immediately. Dizon could be a real sleeper at LB and Kevin Smith is going to be able to be used splitting time with Tatum Bell or possibly even as the featured back. (GRADE: A)
Green Bay: Patrick Lee, Jermichael Finley
The Packers didn’t end up with a first round pick so considering that they got some guys who will still do pretty well in the game. I don’t expect Jordy Nelson to have as much influence in the game as Lee and Finley do. There was a big need for a nickel CB and a TE and those two should be rated in the upper 70s but have the potential to make plays. (GRADE: B)
Houston: Duane Brown, Steve Slaton
While Brown isn’t going to provide all that much he still merits being mentioned. Slaton is an interesting selection and could be a great change-of-pace type although he’ll be behind both Ahman Green and Chris Brown in ratings. (GRADE: C+)
Indianapolis: Phillip Wheeler
The Colts don’t have much to show from this draft for Madden. Wheeler could play enough that he’ll be somewhat of a factor but I wouldn’t expect much there for how it’ll make them better in the game. (GRADE: D)
Jacksonville: Derrick Harvey
This was really an underrated Madden team last year and after the success they had I’d expect them to be one of the best this year. Moving up to get Harvey meant he was their only big selection but he will pay off with the pass rush boost that he will provide. (GRADE: B)
Kansas City: Glenn Dorsey, Branden Albert, Brandon Flowers, Jamaal Charles
There is no way you can’t love the Chiefs’ draft. All four of those players can be utilized right away. Dorsey and Albert will be right at the top of the rookie ratings for their positions, Flowers will make for a solid contributor in the secondary, and Charles was much needed to spell Larry Johnson at times. (GRADE: A)
Miami: Jake Long, Phillip Merling, Chad Henne
Jake Long will be the best rated offensive lineman for obvious reasons and having Merling slip to them was a pleasant surprise. Those two will be seen on the field right away. Henne could end up being a decent option starting over John Beck depending on how the ratings play out. (GRADE: B+)
Minnesota: Tyrell Johnson
Johnson may have actually been the best safety in the draft and he fills an immediate need for the Vikings. But really they also got Jared Allen in this draft I just can’t include that in the grade. John David Booty was a good selection as well but Tavares Jackson will still clearly be the best QB to use. Vikings fans should look forward to how their team is going to shape up in Madden. (GRADE: B)
New England: Jerod Mayo, Terrence Wheatley
The Patriots needed to draft for CB and LB and that is what they did. Mayo should have a rating in the low 80s which will be good enough to contribute there. Wheatley is not going to replace Asante Samuel but he has good speed which should help him as a rookie and make him a good option as a returner. (GRADE: B+)
New Orleans: Sedrick Ellis, Tracy Porter, Taylor Mehlhaff
The Saints needed help at DT and Ellis should provide that with a rating around an 81. Porter is a good pickup to add depth to their secondary. Mehlhaff is also a good selection and should be rated pretty well for a rookie kicker. (GRADE: B+)
New York Giants: Kenny Phillips, Terrell Thomas, Mario Manningham
The Giants filled needs in their secondary and picked up Manningham who slid due to various off-the-field reasons but will probably have a solid rating. They could’ve also used some help at LB. (GRADE: B+)
New York Jets: Vernon Gholston, Dustin Keller
These two for the Jets will pay dividends immediately. Gholston will fit into the Jets scheme and provide an upgrade in pass rush. Keller is the type of tight end that can really be a factor in Madden as a receiving threat. (GRADE: A)
Oakland: Darren McFadden
The Raiders get the guy who’ll have the highest overall rating as a rookie. Despite that how much can he provide that they wouldn’t have gotten already with Justin Fargas, Michael Bush, and Lamont Jordan? (GRADE: B)
Philadelphia: Trevor Laws, DeSean Jackson
As the Madden Mock Draft went DeSean Jackson could end up as the best rookie WR in Madden. His speed and explosiveness will be useful both as a returner and as a big play receiver. Laws isn’t going to be all that important in Madden but does add to their line rotation which is a plus. (GRADE: A-)
Pittsburgh: Rashard Mendenhall, Limus Sweed, Dennis Dixon
The Steelers may have had the best draft of any team. Mendenhall will have a very good rating possibly an 83. He really shouldn’t have fallen this far. Same goes for Sweed who’s makeup means he’ll outplay his overall rating. Dixon makes for a great option if Roethlisberger gets injured in the game. He will be able to make plays with his arm or legs which is about as good as you can have out of a backup. (GRADE: A)
San Diego: Antoine Cason, Jacob Hester
The Chargers had two needs for Madden. Improving the secondary and adding someone to replace Michael Turner. They did both although safety may have been a bigger need for them. Can’t go wrong with Cason though who should have a rating right around 82. They did already have Darren Sproles though which makes the RB pickups not as much of a factor. (Grade: B+)
San Francisco: Kentwan Balmer, Reggie Smith
Balmer is a good addition here although is impact in Madden is questionable. Reggie Smith will get on the field and be a decent nickel or dime CB. Just not a very exciting draft or one that will be significant for anyone using them in Madden. (GRADE: C)
Seattle: John Carlson, Red Bryant, Brandon Coutu
While Lawrence Jackson and Owen Schmitt will be big contributors to the team they aren’t going to be much of a benefit in the game given their initial roles on the team. Carlson though will be important in adding a receiving threat at TE. Coutu should fill in for Josh Brown and will possibly be the highest rated rookie kicker. (GRADE: B)
St. Louis: Chris Long, Donnie Avery, Justin King
Taking Donnie Avery as the first WR off the board was certainly a head-scratcher, however in Madden it isn’t as much of one. He’ll be able to make plays thanks to his speed. King is extremely fast and may have a speed rating of 97 so that is the type that can do well as a rmid-round rookie in the secondary. It goes without saying that Chris Long will be very good and will have a rating of 84 or 85. The Rams defensive line should be formidable in the game. (GRADE: B+)
Tampa Bay: Aqib Talib, Dexter Jackson
I like what Tampa did here although they may get flak for the Jackson pick. He makes for a perfect rookie WR that will outplay his overall rating due to his speed and acceleration. They needed to grab a corner and Talib should have a rating of 82 which is going to make for a solid addition. (GRADE: A-)
Tennessee: Chris Johnson, Jason Jones
Chris Johnson will be the fastest rookie in the game with a 97 or 98 speed rating likely and that is invaluable. He and LenDale White should really work well together. Jones isn’t going to be a huge upgrade as they did grab the traditionally overrated Jevon Kearse in free agency who’ll do that. (GRADE: B+)
Washington: Devin Thomas, Fred Davis, Malcolm Kelly
Three weapons in the passing game have been added. With Santana Moss and Chris Cooley there that makes them a dynamic offense. Those are three players who at times had been discussed as potential first rounders so their ratings should reflect that somewhat. They really needed to upgrade their pass rush though and that will have gone unaided. (GRADE A-)
n
KC put n work in the draft
good to see the jets getting positive thoughts from sum 1
by far KC had the best draft no question. but of coarse we wont know unitl they pan out .on paper they had the best draft but again we dont know until they actually play in the NFL
Washington’s second day was absolute garbage, but we pretty much owned the first day Madden-wise. PIT did great Madden-wise, too.
i hate the patriots but they do have a tenn player so im happy for them
The Bills will NEVER let McKelvin wear 34. I’m a huge Bills fan, too, but he won’t get that number. That is Thurman Thomas’ number … it’ll be retired before long.
I believe he’s wearing 28 officially.
Attention AFC West:
That sound you hear is the sound of the Oakland Raiders passing you by.
That is all.
I Think the Jets had a great draft. we were a mirage 12 team, with injuries and a tough schedule. With the FAs and THE ROOKS, and a favorable schedule this year, I see us in the play offs and a victory against the Pats at home, something we haven’t done in 6 years.
Chiefs had an amazing draft. The loss of Allen hurts big time tho and the thought of having Glenn Dorsey on the same D-line as Allen would have been insane, oh well. Albert is a great pick up he can start at LT from day one and Flowers is a hard hitting CB. Chiefs fans will be starting a lot of rookie when they start their franchise, should be a lot of fun. I still think KC should have taken Andre Woodson at some point with all them picks.
Oakland Raiders get Darren McFadden, are you kidding me? teaming McFadden up with JaMarcus Russell is something you would only see in a video game, but its the real for Oakland. WOW! I bet a lot of people will be the Raiders online. Also picking up DeAngelo Hall for a 2nd round pick was steal.
Bills, Steelers, Redskins, Eagles also had good looking drafts and should be a lot of fun to use in Madden 09
Dallas picking Felix Jones over Mendenhall is easy! Mendenhall could not earn the start over Pierre Thomas when he was at Illinois, now with the Saints. His Production was minimal at that time. He couldn’t get it going until Thomas Left for the NFL. He believes that he should be the star and a starter, and thats not happening over Marion Barber. Mendenhall does not fit the two back system as the guy coming off the bench. He is a bit of a pouter. Felix Jones also offers a variation to what they already have, which is a 220lb back with power and elusiveness. Felix Jones offers the one-cut homerun hitter, and a better 3rd down back that fits into that system with better hands than Mendenhall.
The Fins will win 13 next year and make the playoffs with or without Taylor.
Dude i say pittsburgh had the best draft dude.They drafted all impact players.
I think Atlanta’s grade is too high at a B-. In real life that might be a fair grade, but in terms of Madden Ryan will probably be rated an 80 max and may not start, Baker figures as a starter and around the 80 rating mark, but the rest of the guys, well, Lofton & Jackson figure around a mid-to-high 70s ratings, the rest of the guys don’t look like much, Madden-wise.
I wouldn’t be shocked to see just 2 guys from this class hitting the field much in Madden - even one is a possibility depending on Lofton and Jackson.
Mcfadden is the next reggie bush or should i say reggie bust another running back that can “do it all” mendenhall is cleary the best running back in the draft because he can actully break tackles and would someone please lower reggie bust’s rating he lead the league in fumbles and incompletions
sorry droped balls
First off I have to say I disagree with the Browns not improving themselves at all and the F grade you bestowed upon them. First off the trade of the picks was for proven commodities such as Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams which makes the Browns D-Line automatically much improved, probably even more than if they had kept the picks and drafted D-Line seeing as the studs would have already been gone. I do agree the secondary needed addressed, but the Browns did pick up a nice TE in Rucker who can let the Browns run some different formations and Beau Bell who should be a starting LB within the next 2 or 3 years (depending on if Andra Davis continues to regress). While the actual draft didn’t improve the Browns the process certainly did as the trades made would be worth at least a B rating in my honest opinion.
Pasta,
“Felix Jones being taken over Rashard Mendenhall is what causes the minus”
I’m hearing these same sentiments echoed across the web. However, what makes Mendenhall that much better than Jones? Mendenhall is being talked about like he’s this BEAST RB but he only had one breakout season. I think he’ll be a good back but you shouldn’t automatically make it seem like the ‘Boys lost with their pick lol.
For Madden purposes, PIT all the way…They add another RB in case Willie Parker gets hurt, a fast QB to back up Big Ben and a tall, talented WR for Ben to throw to along with Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes…PIT will be a popular Madden team for ‘09.
Steelers. Dixon=going to be fun to play with.
Rob wrote:
The Cowboys picked Felix Jones because he fits their system, NOT because he’s better. It wouldn’t make sense for the Cowboys to have Mendenhall because he and Barber are both power backs. Mendenhall is perfect for the Steelers because he brings what was lost in the retirement of Jerome Bettis. An agile power back. Besides, when Parker got hurt, the running game was absent. Davenport alone, couldn’t cut it in the post season.
Willie Parker couldn’t break the starting lineup at North Carolina either so throw that theory out the window. That just mean that Mendenhall will have FRESH legs for the NFL. The same thing was said about Adrian Peterson. “He only had one good year”. That’s why he droppen in the draft. Now look at him. He’s a BEAST.
Gotta love what KC did especially since they picked my cousin Kevin Robinson from Utah State. I talked to K-Rob earlier after he was picked and he is pumped which was expected. He and my teenage son who plays FS for Mason High in Ohio are really close. Here comes the NFL gear.
as Flavor Flav would say Yeah Boyyyyyyyy!!!! Congrats K-Rob
Come on now I think the Ravens improved quite a bit for madden. Joe Flacco won’t be rated high but he will be far higher rated then the QBs the ravens do have. I mean come on now Troy Smith only had 73 accuracy in madden 08 and Boller 77 or 78. Flacco will come in with a cannon arm anywhere from 95-99 Throwing power with accuracy in the 80’s. And we all know on madden speed kills and Fabian Washington at CB I now have another speed guy to go along CMac. Fabian is now the fastest guy on our team madden wise That of course if he still has his 98 speed.
Yeah I’d like more explenation from pasta on the browns. I think its foolish to say they didn’t improve. How can dennis dixon and mario manningham be instant improvments when Beau Bell (MWC D Player of the year) and Martin Rucker (great reciever) apparently aren’t. Even if you dont use them, if you look at the process of the draft the Browns got Brady Quinn, Corey Williams and Shaun Rodgers. Thats a pretty instant impact, probabaly the MOST instant. An F is an absurb rating.
blackngoldfan wrote:
Obviously you didn’t read my paragraph.
#1. I said Mendenhall dosen’t fit our two-back system I didn’t say he was better. I stated the qualities that fit better with the Cowboys’ system. I also stated they don’t need another big back. Read it again brother!
#2. Willie Parker couldn’t start at UNC for a completely different reason. He and John Bunting had some issues where they didn’t see eye to eye. He played but he didn’t start and his performance suffered because he was being stubborn on some things. And that’s not a theory that is a fact. Mendenhall could not start over Pierre Thomas because Pierre is a much harder working player. Did you watch Thomas tear it up for the Saints last year? Mendenhall was a pouter in High School to so this is nothing new.
#3. Adrian Peterson one good year!?!?! Are you sick!!!!
2006-188car 1012 yds rushing 12TDs 1 receiving in 7 games!
2005-220car 1195 yds rushing 14TDs in 11 games
2004-339car 1950 yds rushing 15TDs in 13 games
His 2006 season was cut short because he broke his collarbone. He didn’t even really drop in the draft either. He was the first ‘Back taken at 7th overall. The other teams that drafted before him didn’t need a back. Teams draft on need. The Texans needed a back in 06 but they needed a DE more that’s why they got Mario. And please don’t try to talk football with someone who is really involved with the sport anymore. Stick to videogames please. Thank you for your time!
Falcons still should have gotten Dorsey, and they still could have picked a QB.Then I’m hearing things like Ryan is the next Manning or Brady. Heres a History lesson for you remember Ryan Leaf, Tim Couch among other who were touted to be something great , but where are they now.
Groundhog wrote:
They deserve at least a C- at best
KC did very well obviously, but you gotta like myBills picks! We tried trading up to get a tall receiver and one of the best in Hardy fell right into our laps!!!
Anybody know if and where I could get a roster update for PS3 Madden with all the newly drafted players? Or at least the first few rounds?
Its probably a real pain to make but would be cool to have even though I’m not too psyched about the Iggles newest additions. Not a bad draft but not exactly any immediate impact players in the group. At least they’ll have a chance at returning a kick with DeSean Jackson back there instead of Reno Mahe.
Detroit did not draft a WR. This is why Detroit’s draft gets an A+….I know Matt Millen was wanting to pull the trigger on Devin Thomas (WR out of Mich State) but someone in the front office said NO!!!!
Oh, and I don’t agree with the Raiders getting a B just because they drafted McFadden (EA’s Cover Boy). It’s not the talent at RB Oakland lacks, it’s the line that blocks (doesn’t block) that needed mending….
If you can’t block, you can’t run or pass….McFadden will not break 1,000 yards…No line and zero passing game….
Ben,
You’re right about McKelvin not wearing 34. It’s unofficially retired by the organization. I know when Anthony Thomas signed with the club, he wanted 32 and 34 respectively, both retired by the team, so he opted with 35. I don’t know why they didn’t have his jersey retirement as part of his ceremony during the MNF game last October.
34 is a retired number on the Bills
adrian peterson only had one good year !!! roflmao are you kidding me!!!! lol thats gotta to be the funniest thing i have ever heard in my life. blackngoldfan you just made my day. lol holy sh_t!!! one good year!?!?! lol…..man you must be smokin rocks on your lunch break bro. lay off the pipe
all i got to say is matt forte for the chicago bears will kick benson out of the lineup. this guy was the 2nd leading rushing in the nation in college! madden rating at least a 83.
stunnako wrote:
hubcapp wrote:
I know…finally another sane person…did you see my reply??? Don’t worry…I set him straight!!!
have we forgotten about the bears who had a B+ Draft they got 1 round talent in rounds 3,4,5. And if Marcus Monk his healthy and can return to his old self’; him Earl Bennent and Devin Hester will be the new wideout core for years. it doesnt hurt to get a proven wideout too. plus the didnt draft any QB’S but they got 2 undrafted QB’s that could be the next Kurt Warner and Tony Romo in Caleb Hanie who averaged a 68% completions in passes and Nick Hill who is lefty who can throw great on the run.
*approaches mic slowly* I’d like to say that I am no longer a Titans fan *puts paper bag on face & walks away dejected*
my Steelers had the best all the way pasta, Playing with the steelers will be amazing!