With the NFL Draft just behind us and Madden ’09 details slowly filtering in, it is now time to take a look at some of the recent draft picks and how they’ll fit on their new teams. This is not an exhaustive list but more of a look at some of the intriguing picks and how they correspond with Madden.

I could start with the number one pick, Jake Long, but I’d rather hit the ATL and examine the number three pick, quarterback Matt Ryan. The Falcons have long since been known for their cheese in online play because of the elusive Michael Vick. However, with Vick removed from the game and the Falcons entering the season with Joey Harrington as the incumbent starter, Matt Ryan should be the first man on the depth chart come August 12.

Ryan is a definite immediate upgrade at the quarterback position for the Falcons but I don’t believe it’s such a significant upgrade to cause gamers to begin playing with Atlanta again. The Falcons could be formidable with Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood in the backfield but it all starts under center, and Matt Ryan is the guy from Day One.

Moving on to the next spot at number four is the Oakland Raiders and Darren McFadden. Without question, McFadden was the best athlete in the draft. Many people are forecasting Adrian Peterson-like numbers for D-Mac in his rookie year. That could be true on Madden as well. McFadden will probably be the highest rated rookie in Madden ’09.

Will McFadden alone be enough to convince gamers to begin playing with Oakland? Only time will tell but JaMarcus Russell didn’t strike fear in anyone on Madden ’08.  I just don't think Javon Walker and Drew Carter will make me want to play with the Raiders any time soon. However, if we see more maneuverability in Madden ’09 as is advertised in NCAA Football ’09 then McFadden could make the Raiders a sleeper choice online.

Moving back up the draft board a couple of spots we focus on defensive end, Chris Long. Long was taken by the St. Louis Rams with the second overall pick. Long is high-energy guy but not an overly fast player. He has just the right combination of speed and strength but will it make him an instant hit like Jevon Kearse was in Madden ’01?

Kearse had that freakish speed coming off the end and if you moved him around enough on the line then you were automatically in the backfield. I highly doubt Long will have that type of effect but he could be a nice player if you like using your ends or outside linebackers on the defensive side of the field.

In the second round we find DeSean Jackson. Jackson was known for his highlight reel punt returns at Cal and now he’ll lace ‘em up for the Philadelphia Eagles. We should see Jackson’s agility rating in the high 90’s as well as his speed. This could make him a nightmare to play against if he is put in the slot against Nickel cornerbacks. It could also cause problems if you have to punt to him. If the right return formation is called then Jackson could become another Devin Hester. Besides, do you really think EA is going to slight a guy who is supposed to be on the cover of NCAA ’09 for the PS2 (I know it’s only rumor at this point, but still…)?

Two other players to take a look at also come in Round Two of the NFL Draft. Taken in back-to-back picks, Brian Brohm and Chad Henne could upstage the default quarterbacks on their respective teams.

Henne steps into a situation in Miami that is far from certain. With only John Beck standing in his way I could easily see a situation where Henne could be a gamer’s choice at quarterback. Beck will probably have a higher overall rating but not by much and only because of being one year into the league. Henne’s ratings where it counts will probably be better though. I could see a situation in which Chad Henne’s accuracy and throwing power are higher than Beck’s. Yes, Beck may have the slight edge in awareness but the difference will be so slight that Henne will be your choice. But on a side note, who’s really playing with the Dolphins besides Dolphin fans?

Brian Brohm also joins a unique situation in Green Bay. Cover boy Brett Favre has retired and won’t be found on the depth chart. Aaron Rodgers is the starter by default but it’s hard to imagine him keeping the spot. Brohm, who was once thought to be the number one quarterback taken, should surprise people with his ratings and could face a similar situation as Henne. Rodgers may have the higher overall rating but the ratings everyone is looking at will likely favor Brohm.

Here is one more prospect to watch for…Owen Schmitt. Yes, Seattle drafted him in the fifth round and fullbacks typically don’t see much use in a West Coast offense, but he could become a Madden favorite. He demonstrated some nice open field speed at West Virginia and he’s tough as nails. He could become a Mike Alstott and have a nice break tackle rating which could give a person fits when you need to keep the chains moving and the clock ticking. This all hinges on him making the team, however.

These are just a few players that stick out to me and have me wondering what their Madden counterparts will look like. Who are you interested in seeing and who are the players you think will soon become Madden favorites?