Summary
With each new entry in the long-standingMaddenseries comes a handful of rookies that are all assigned a grade based on precisely zero playing time in the National Football League. It’s a tough job and a thankless task, as plenty of gamers and football fans will take issue with every minute detail as predispositions can have a big impact until the players take to the field in week 1 of the regular season.
The NFL Draft in April gave a glimpse at the future of all 32 franchises, and while each player has the potential to be great, some were more coveted coming out of college than others, andMadden NFL 24has ranked them accordingly. The top ten rookies in the new EA football game are:
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Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons (81 overall)
Curiously the number one overall pick, Alabama’s Bryce Young, fell out of the top 10 with a rating of 74, which still led all quarterbacks. The top player was drafted eighth overall by the Atlanta Falcons, as running back Bijan Robinson was handed an 81 overall rating from EA. It’s not surprising, as he was widely touted to be the best offensive prospect in college at Texas, andrunning backs have a big role to play inMadden.
Jalen Carter, DT, Philadelphia Eagles (79 overall)
Jalen Carter was one of the best prospects coming out of the NFL Draft, but a few off field issues held him back. However,Madden NFL 24ratings only take into account what a player does week-to-week, and Carter was a dominant college player, commanding the defensive line. He’ll make a great addition to the Philadelphia Eagles, and will likely have a big impact as a rookie inMadden.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks (78 overall)
The second of two Seattle Seahawks first round picks, and arguably the most talented pass catcher in college football for the last few years, Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s safe hands and elite route-running that were on show in the 2022 Rose Bowl, scooping up 347 yards on the day, will ensure he can be immediately a productivewide receiver inMadden NFL 24.
Devon Witherspoon, CB, Seattle Seahawks (78 overall)
Taken fifth overall by the Seattle Seahawks, Devon Witherspoon’s strong instincts and surprising toughness for a player of his size made his highlights immediately stand out.InMadden NFL 24, his high acceleration and agility will make him an obstacle only the best receivers can overcome.
Will Anderson Jr., DE, Houston Texans (78 overall)
WIll Anderson Jr is already a stand-out player on a struggling Houston Texans team, and has all the makings of a worthy replacement toNFL franchise legend JJ Watt. He was selected third overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, with few believing he could ever be taken anywhere below the top 5. He’s been given a 78 rating inMadden NFL 24, the only edge rusher in the top 10. His fellow first round pick, quarterback CJ Stroud, narrowly missed out on the top 10 with a 73 overall rating.
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Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions (77 overall)
In the shadow of Bijan Robinson, it was a surprise whenthe Detroit Lionstook Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall, but EA seems to have a higher opinion of the selection than the masses. 77 overall is respectable inMaddenfor a rookie, and a 94 rating for speed will be very helpful against the rest of the NFC North and beyond. He was undoubtedly one of the biggest bright sparks of an Alabama Crimson Tide that is stacked with talent.
Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Arizona Cardinals (77 overall)
The Arizona Cardinals need all the help they can get in 2023, and after a few draft night trades, they landed Paris Johnson Jr. with the sixth overall pick. HisMadden NFL 24rating is the highest of all rookie offensive linemen, and steadies an offense that is full of question marks heading into the NFL regular season.
Christian Gonzalez, CB, New England Patriots (77 overall)
Christian Gonzalez was taken by the New England Patriots at the mid-point of the first round, and boasts a pair of 93 ratings in speed and acceleration to go along with his 77 overall score, just one shy of Seahawks rookie Devon Witherspoon. Both have the potential to be elitecornerbacks inMaddenand the real thing, and time will tell how players of the EA football game will take to Gonzalez' plentiful talents.
Peter Skoronski, OG, Tennessee Titans (76 overall)
The Tennessee Titans were the team to finally take a chance on Kentucky QB Will Levis early in the second round of the 2023NFL Draft, but it’s their first selection that sneaks into the top 10 rookies inMadden NFL 24. Peter Skoronski can play anywhere on the offensive line, and boast high strength and acceleration, giving those who deploy him at either guard or tackle to feel more comfortable knowing the quarterback is safe.
Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Washington Commanders (76 overall)
Emmanuel Forbes was taken one spot before Christian Gonzalez in the draft, and his productivity at Mississippi State thank to quick instincts and impressive length made him a highly-touted cornerback prospect. He rounds out the top 10 rookies inMadden NFL 24, making it an impressive list of athletes who can and will help players claim bragging rights in the EA game.
Madden NFL 24is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
