As part of the EA Sports Draft Preview Party last Tuesday, I was lucky enough to sit down with three of this year's top picks. I asked them some hard hitting questions about the Draft, gaming and the all important Madden 11.

So what do three future NFL stars have to say about the world of sports gaming? Read on to find out.

Christian: Bryan, good to meet you, let’s get down to business: Are you a big fan of the NCAA Football series?

Bryan: Absolutely!

Christian: From what you’ve seen so far, what are your impressions of NCAA 11?

Bryan: It’s pretty cool. Every year it comes out I have to buy it. It’s really cool this year to be a part of the release events -- with Tebow on the cover -- and to get an early look at the game.

Christian: As a fellow Big Ten guy here....

Bryan: (interrupts) Where from?

Christian: Michigan State...sorry?

Bryan: ...It’s all right I guess... (laughs)

Christian: Anyhow, it was good to see Iowa do so well last year. How do you think they were rated by the development team in NCAA 10, and where would you like to see them rated in NCAA 11?

Bryan: I really think that we were rated way too low in last year's game, especially after what we proved by season's end. For this year's game [Iowa] needs to get some more love. We’ve got a lot of guys coming back who are pretty good, so we definitely need to see some more love. Every year I was at Iowa it seemed like we ended the season strong, yet the NCAA game had us rated too low to begin with in their preseason poll.

Christian: OK, time for the arbitrary Madden 11 ratings question. What do you think your ratings should be?

Bryan: ...Well, it’s hard to really throw a number out there because I’m not really sure what goes into all those calculations. I hope I end up with a decent rating though. In my last year at Iowa, I had a pretty decent season. Hopefully, that means I end up with a solid rating in Madden this year.

Christian: Outside of sports games, are you a big gamer? What’s your system of choice and current favorite game?

Bryan: Yes, I love my PS3, it’s my favorite system of all time. Right now I am enjoying the Call of Duty games, but this Bad Company 2 is really nice. I can’t get enough gaming. In fact, I could sit around all day and play. Whether it’s a sports game, a war game, they’re all fun. It doesn’t matter, it’s extremely difficult for me to pick a favorite game.

Christian: You’re projected as a top pick in this year's Draft, what does that mean to you? Are you excited to see where you land?

Bryan: Oh yeah, it is very exciting. This is supposed to be one of the best times of your life as it starts a new chapter. It’s very exciting for me to be here all week around all these fantastic players. I’m looking forward to actually hearing my name called and to get out there and play some football.

Chistian: Best of luck to you Bryan, and thank you for taking the time to talk with us.

Bryan: Thank you, it was my pleasure. I am going to make sure to check out the site once you have my Madden rating on there.

Christian: So Jahvid, are you a big fan of the NCAA Football franchise?

Jahvid: Yeah, but I’m a bigger Madden fan.

Christian: Really, what was your favorite year of the Madden series and why?

Jahvid: Definitely Madden 2005. I’m a huge fan of using the Ravens in Madden, and Ray Lewis was on the cover that year. He was a little juiced up on that cover, and that Ravens D was a lot juiced up in the game. It was a great year to use them.

Christian: Not to mention 2005 placed such an emphasis on defense.

Jahvid: Exactly.

Christian: So were you a big video game fan growing up?

Jahvid: Yeah, definitely. It all started when I was little. I didn’t have any video games, but my cousin in the apartment above me had NES and Sega Genesis. Every day after school I’d run up to his apartment and play NBA Jam, Paper Boy, Mario Brothers/Duck Hunt, Super C. Then later when the Nintendo 64 came out we played a lot of Zelda and Smash Brothers.

Christian: So it seems like you’re a pretty big Nintendo guy?

Jahvid: Yeah, I’m a big fan.

Christian: Ever get into Mario Kart? Who’s your favorite character and why?

Jahvid: (laughs) Well, not a huge fan of the series other than on my DS. When I play I only use Luigi though, he’s the best.

Christian: So let me ask you the question that I’m sure you’ve heard from everyone this week. You had a great season last year, had the concussion caused by the big hit seen across the world that caused many to question your durability, and then you had an outstanding combine. So, where do you see yourself being picked in the Draft?

Jahvid: I have no idea. I’m just trying to approach each day with open eyes and pray for the best. All I know is that wherever I end up I am going to give them my best shot once I get out on that field and am playing.

Christian: What do you think your ratings will be in Madden next year?

Jahvid: Hopefully, I’ll have a lot of speed in the game, and the ability to make the big play. That’s all I’m pretty much looking for.

Christian: Thanks Jahvid, I really appreciate your time. Best of luck. By the way, I have a feeling you're going to go in the first round.

Jahvid: Thanks man, no problem. (As an aside, he shrugged his shoulders, laughed and rolled his eyes almost as if he thought there was no way he would be taken so soon after I said that. Thankfully, my hometown Lions made me look like a psychic the very next day.)

Christian: How excited are you to not only be projected as a top two pick in this year's draft, but also to see yourself in Madden 11?

Ndamukong: Oh yeah, I am definitely excited for the Draft and also to be in Madden, but I am most excited to be here tonight to see the new NCAA Football. I’ve been a big fan of Madden for years and really got into Madden 2005. To now be able to be a video game character is huge.

Christian: What do you think your rating should be?

Ndamukong: I hope I have a high rating. If not, then I need to get into the gym and continue to do some more work.

Christian: So who are you going to talk with on the Madden 11 team to make sure the announcers pronounce your name correctly?

Ndamukong: I don’t know, the developers are all really good guys, so I’m sure one of them could help me out.

Christian: Thanks Ndamukong, I really appreciate your time. As a Detroit fan, it would be great to see you in a Lions jersey -- we need all the help we can get.

Ndamukong: Thanks man, take care.


So what are your thoughts on the interviews? Who will be an impact player in Madden 11? Sound off below