With the NFL Combine right around the corner, the draft landscape in your Premier Madden League is starting to take shape. Below are the Top 5 prospects heading into the pre-draft testing gauntlet, complete with realistic analysis, NFL-style comparisons, and evaluations of strengths and weaknesses. These players have already established themselves as stars on the field, but the combine will be the first opportunity for teams to separate measurables from tape and adjust their boards accordingly.
1) DJ Lagway — QB, Florida
Player Type: Prototype Franchise Quarterback
Madden Style: Franchise QB / Elite Accuracy / Mobility
Why He’s Top-Rated:
DJ Lagway has been the most consistent — and most productive — quarterback in the country. His blend of arm talent, leadership, and dual-threat ability makes him a safe bet to anchor an NFL offense for years. Lagway is the kind of signal-caller who can win from both inside and outside the pocket, excelling in pro-style systems and designed quarterback run schemes alike.
Strengths:
- Accuracy & Timing: Lagway’s ability to place the ball into tight windows is elite. His anticipation and rhythm reads keep the offense on schedule.
- Pocket Presence: He consistently scans field progression and climbs the pocket to extend plays.
- Dual-Threat Ability: With the ability to pick up yards with his legs, Lagway presents constant challenges for defenses.
- Leadership: Calm under pressure and praised by teammates, he elevates the play of those around him.
Weaknesses:
- Risk Taking: Occasionally tries to force balls into tight coverage, relying on his playmakers to bail him out.
- Consistency in Structure: In games where the offensive line breaks down early, Lagway can revert to improvisation instead of resetting.
NFL Player Comp: Justin Herbert meets Kyler Murray
Like Herbert, Lagway has the prototypical size, accuracy, and arm power for the modern NFL. His mobility and threat on the ground add a Murray-style dynamism without sacrificing pocket proficiency.
2) Avery Johnson — QB, Ohio State
Player Type: High-Ceiling Quarterback Prospect
Madden Style: Strong Arm / Deep Ball Specialist
Why He’s High on Boards:
Avery Johnson is all arm — strong, accurate, and capable of explosive plays downfield. He’s rebounded from some inconsistency earlier in his career with refined mechanics and leadership growth. The Buckeyes leaned into his ability to stretch the field vertically, and Johnson delivered.
Strengths:
- Arm Talent: Can zip the deep ball with velocity and timing that few prospects possess.
- Field Vision: Reads secondary zones well once his progressions are set.
- Composure: Delivers under pressure and keeps his eyes downfield in chaos.
Weaknesses:
- Pocket Movement: Not as explosive with his legs; can be slow to create outside structure if the pocket collapses.
- Consistency with Touch: At times, deep targets look “too hot” or flat — needing refinement.
NFL Player Comp: Daniel Jones with better accuracy
Johnson’s blend of arm strength and size evoke a Daniel Jones comparison, though his accuracy and processing are stronger and more refined.
3) Jeremiah Smith — WR, Ohio State
Player Type: Borderline Elite Wide Receiver
Madden Style: Route Technician / contested catch specialist
Why He’s Coveted:
Jeremiah Smith is the prototypical complete receiver. He can line up outside or in the slot and dominates in contested catch situations. With polished route running and physicality, he’s the type of receiver who immediately helps a pro passing game.
Strengths:
- Route Running: Very clean out of breaks with excellent timing and leverage on defenders.
- Ball Skills: Sure hands and body control make Smith a consistent target in traffic.
- Versatility: Effective both inside and outside, with the ability to win contested balls.
Weaknesses:
- Yards After Catch: Not a burner; will need to use subtle moves rather than pure speed to break tackles.
- Vertical Stretch: Not a true deep threat — excels more at intermediate timing routes.
NFL Player Comp: Cooper Kupp meets Mike Evans
Smith’s route quality and contested ability call to mind the polished precision of Cooper Kupp. His frame and contested strength give him an Evans-style edge in jump-ball scenarios.
4) Dylan Stewart — EDGE, South Carolina
Player Type: Power and Rush Specialist
Madden Style: Strong Bull Rush / Gap Penetrator
Why He’s a Top Tier Defensive Prospect:
Dylan Stewart breaks into the Top 5 because of his consistent ability to disrupt opposing backfields. He combines size, strength, and technique in a way that NFL evaluators covet from an interior or strongside edge presence.
Strengths:
- Bull Rush Power: His first-step acceleration into opposing offensive linemen makes him immediately impactful.
- Gap Control: Stewart wins with leverage and plays downhill effectively, which bolsters run defense.
- Consistency: Rarely disappears in a game — he’s always involved.
Weaknesses:
- Athletic Flexibility: Not an elite lateral mover; struggles against quick, zone-slanting tackles.
- Finesse Moves: Needs to refine counter-moves in passing situations to elevate his sack totals.
NFL Player Comp: Calais Campbell with more pass-rush upside
Stewart’s size and power evoke Campbell — but his younger, fresher rush tools hint at a higher ceiling as a pure disruptor.
5) Ryan Williams — WR, Alabama
Player Type: Downfield Threat / Game Breaker
Madden Style: Deep Speed / “Go” Route Specialist
Why He’s on the Rise:
Ryan Williams is a deep threat in every sense — NFL defenders hate him in one-on-one coverage because of his separation speed and ability to win downfield. If your league values explosive playmaking, Williams is one of the most exciting wide receivers in this draft class.
Strengths:
- Deep Speed: Tracks the ball downfield effortlessly and accelerates past coverage.
- Catch Radius at Speed: High-velocity tracking ability makes contested deep balls look easy.
- Explosive Playmaking: One target can instantly become a touchdown — a true big-play generator.
Weaknesses:
- Route Depth Consistency: Not as polished with complex timing routes inside the hashes; his strengths live vertically.
- Hands Under Pressure: Occasional drops in tight windows, especially when running full speed.
NFL Player Comp: D.K. Metcalf meets Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Williams carries the big-body speed menace vibe of Metcalf with the long-straight-line capability of Valdes-Scantling — an ideal vertical weapon for any Madden offense.
Bottom Line: Pre-Combine Drill Report Card
| Prospect | Position | Type | Ceiling | Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJ Lagway | QB | Franchise | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Occasional risk taking |
| Avery Johnson | QB | Vertical Passer | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Pocket mobility |
| Jeremiah Smith | WR | Complete Target | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | YAC limitations |
| Dylan Stewart | EDGE | Power Disruptor | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Athletic flexibility |
| Ryan Williams | WR | Deep Threat | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Route polish |
What to Watch at the Combine
Before the draft day boards get locked in, here are the key combine tests that could reshape this list:
Quarterbacks (Lagway & Johnson)
- 40-yard dash — how mobile are they under standardized timing?
- Throwing drills — accuracy from the pocket and on the move.
- Three-cone shuttle / RAS drills — measures agility and decision-making speed.
Receivers (Smith & Williams)
- Vertical jump & broad jump — explosiveness off the line.
- 20-yard shuttle — route break quickness and change-of-direction.
- Hand size & wingspan metrics — helps predict contested catch ability.
Edge (Stewart)
- Bench press — strength measurement for bull rush effectiveness.
- 3-cone / 20-yard shuttle — flexibility and change-of-direction (key concerns).
- Vert & broad — explosion metrics for pass-rush burst.
As we move into combine week, expect some shakeups — especially among the quarterbacks and receivers. A strong showing in drills could vault a player into Top-3 consideration, while slower times or inconsistent testing results might drop others down boards.
But at this moment, these are the Top 5 prospects commanding attention, each bringing an exciting blend of talent, strengths, and legitimate NFL potential to your Premier Madden League draft.
