No matter how heralded NFL rookies are in the college football game, "Madden NFL" always brings them back down to Earth. It's no different with "Madden NFL 17," this year's edition of the game. EA asked a bunch of this year's crop of rookies to guess their overall stat in the game, and needless to say, many of them overestimated their virtual football skills.
For example, Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch, a first-round draft pick, expected a speed stat of around 80-89, but the real "Madden NFL 17" stat was actually just one point shy at 79. Houston Texans wide receiver Braxton Miller, the 85th overall pick in the draft, predicted he'd be 99 at juking (evading oncoming tacklers), but he's really just an 88.
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott, the fourth overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, was a little more reasonable with his "Madden NFL 17" prediction. He predicted he was at an 84 overall, when he's really just an 80.
Good thing for these NFL rookies, however, is that most players know EA Sports adjusts "Madden NFL 17" every week of the NFL season. When any player—not just a rookie—plays well, the developers will bump up the stat through online updates; it also works the same way, as poor play will also mean a stat decrease.
Here are the top 10 rookies in "Madden NFL 17" based on their overall stats, according to EA Sports (from lowest to highest):
- DeForest Buckner, RE, San Francisco 49ers: 78
- Hunter Henry, TE, San Diego Chargers, 78
- Corey Coleman, WR, Cleveland Browns, 78
- Jack Conlin, RT, Tennessee Titans, 79
- Laremy Tunsil, LG, Miami Dolphins, 78
- Joey Bosa, LE, San Diego Chargers, 79
- Roberto Aguayo, K, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 79
- Ronnie Stanley, LT, Baltimore Ravens, 79
- Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys, 80
- Jalen Ramsey, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars, 82
It's interesting to note that half this list are made up of linemen—one of the most underrated and valuable players on the field, for both their protection and defensive prowess. Perhaps it's easier to stand out in "Madden NFL 17" if you're a lineman.
"Madden NFL 17" comes out soon on August 23, for the Playstation 3, Playstation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.