In the PML, rookies are widely coveted in the first season. They are the building blocks to the success of most teams whether that is the already drafted rookies in season 1 or the rookies coming out of our PML draft and heading into season 2. We are going to discuss which rookies will have the most impact and help their team win the division.
AFC East –
Division Winners – Buffalo Bills
DB Kaiir Elam –
The Buffalo Bills are the favourite to come out of the division, (without biases) and while they were gifted with the news that Tre’davious White will play this season, he is out for the first four games of the season. Insert Kaiir Elam into the starting lineup, although I fully expect Elam to be the starter opposite White when he does return in week 5. Elam will have the benefit of being able to jam up and press receivers at the line of scrimmage and not have to fear getting beat deep with the Bills having two all pro safeties in Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. The Bills have a prolific offense that is going to be able to put points up on the offense and Elam will have his opportunities to shutdown the opposing team’s best receiver.
Bacon’s Pick: Buffalo Bills
HB James Cook –
Tbruh is one of the most underrated coaches in PML, and he just got gift wrapped one of the freakiest QBs in madden history. He is already one of the more talented passing coaches, and now he is going to be able to put the ball anywhere he wants on the field. With Tbandit, you are always going to get a strong passing attack, but the rushing game is a bit of a question mark heading into the cycle. Younger cousin of Dalvin, James Cook figures to be the guy in Buffalo. He’s fast and a capable receiver, which is really all you can hope for in a running back in madden. The season may not be off to an ideal start, but I fully expect Tbrother to find his footing and compete at the highest level in this league.
Codes Pick: Buffalo Bills
HB James Cook
Knowing tbandit… he loves throwing to his RB. His RB was always leading in receptions in Jax, so I don’t expect that to change in Buffalo. Cook is the best RB on the team and he’s already a pretty good receiving threat.
AFC West –
Division Winners – Denver Broncos
DB Damarri Mathis –
I am very high on Damarri Mathis. He has 93 speed, 93 acceleration, and despite his 5’11” frame, he has 97 jumping. The AFC West is split between two coaches that just joined PML and two coaches that are PML veterans, but I think the Broncos are primed to take the division and opposite Patrick Surtain, Damarri Mathis will help Deebo achieve that goal. Deebo could choose to use Mathis situationally or in the slot, but in comparison to the other corners the Broncos have to offer, Mathis in a starting role makes the most sense.
Bacon’s Pick: Los Angeles Chargers
FS JT Woods
As much as it may pain me to give HD any credit, I can fully see him locking in and putting together a successful season in LA this year. That roster has talent where it needs it, even if it is a bit lackluster in the trenches. Justin Herbert is as good as it gets at quarterback, and HD always has a few tricks up his sleeve. JT Woods is an über athletic safety with the physical traits you’d build in a lab. He can step in immediately and be a phenomenal playmaker on the back end alongside Derwin James. This is definitely a team to keep an eye on.
Codes Pick: Kansas City Chiefs
CB Trent McDuffie
Lots of great rookies on this team, it was pretty hard to choose. Jac likes to say “your corners are only as good as your second corner” and he has sneed who is an absolute demon in madden, and has McDuffie in the bag to lock up whoever is lined up across from him. Some users may look at it as a mismatch, but I can assure you Jac doesn’t see it that way.
AFC North –
Division Winners – Baltimore Ravens
OT Tyler Linderbaum –
Kingke and the Baltimore Ravens are the expected division winner, but the key to winning this division will be protecting Lamar Jackson and beefing up this offensive line. That starts with the center position and Tyler Linderbaum’s role will be crucial in setting a precedent to keep Lamar upright. Linderbaum is a versatile offensive linemen and while he only has 82 strength, he does have 87 lead block and 82 impact block. He could be used at the center or guard position depending on the rotation and depth of the offensive line. Linderbaum isn’t going to light up the stat sheet, but he will help Lamar put up points on opposing defenses.
Bacon’s Pick: Baltimore Ravens
OL Tyler Linderbaum
Head Coach Ke’s goal for this cycle is to expand his playbook from 5 plays to 25 (his words). This roster allows him to do so with extreme flexibility. Lamar Jackson might be the best quarterback to have in Madden and is incredibly versatile. He opens up the run game unlike any other, but can still drop back and pass with the best of them. Ke has a handful of plays he’s learned how to run well out of multiple formations, and this team’s personnel is going to blow that playbook wide open. Tyler Linderbaum is going to play a big role in opening rushing lanes and stonewalling pass rushers to make life easier for Jackson. While his impact won’t show up in the box score, it will be felt and appreciated in Baltimore.
Codes Pick: Baltimore Ravens
FS Kyle Hamilton
Kyle Hamilton is probably one of my favorite rookies. Pretty much like Isaiah Simmons Jr. Just an incredible athlete. Should be able to play in the box and make some plays.
AFC South –
DB Nick Cross –
Alright now.. Hear me out? So Bubba is going from Josh Allen to Matt Ryan, the throw power difference is huge, but the Colts are an all around solid team and built to win now. EA claimed that safeties in the sub linebacker position won’t feel as overpowered, but they still do. They still get the animations and are able to steal a pass out of the air 10 yards from its intended receiver. I think this division is going to be very close as it comes down to the wire, but Bubba has the ability to pull away in season 1 despite the competition. Nick Cross is a raw talent, but he is 6’0” and has 92 speed, 96 acceleration, and 88 jumping. He also is a hard hitting safety with 84 hit power, but his 67 tackle out the gate is his only downfall. However, you don’t need to tackle a receiver if you can intercept the ball before it gets to him.
Bacon’s Pick: Houston Texans
HB Dameon Pierce
Problem is probably the best Madden player in PML, so it should be no surprise that he comes in as the overwhelming favorite to win a loaded division, even with by far the worst team. This roster leaves much to be desired, but he doesn’t need much to win. You could probably put a team of undrafted free agents out there and he would still win 13 games. Dameon Pierce is likely going to be the guy at running back in Houston, and you can fully expect him to be in the running for MVP just by virtue of the offense he is going to be in.
Codes Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars
LB Trayvon Walker
He was the #1 overall pick for a reason, he’s an athletic freak. I think Hypemike is one of the best users in the league that can get the most out of someone that’s as gifted as Walker.
