Submitted on: 04/09/2009 by
Christian McLeod
With the NFL Draft only a few short weeks away, I could not think of a better way to generate some discussion than putting together an Operation Sports Mock Draft. The draft not only discusses individual team needs, but also discusses what exactly each of these picks will mean when you pick up your copy of Madden 10 in August.
This week I will cover the top 10 picks, with picks 11-21 hitting next week, and picks 22-32 coming the week of April 20.
Who will your favorite team take on April 25? Look no further...
1. Detroit Lions - Mark Sanchez QB USC
What it means for the Lions
The Lions are looking for a fresh start, and a top-tier QB that can be the face of the franchise for years to come. Sanchez has emerged as the odds-on number one QB in this year's draft, and has the arm strength, accuracy and USC swagger to become a franchise quarterback. Look for the Lions to scoop up Sanchez with the the first pick, and pray that the curse of Matt Millen has left the Motor City.
What it means for the Madden 10 Lions
Surprisingly enough, Detroit is not that bad in the Madden universe. Sanchez should have the highest throwing accuracy and power ratings on the Lions 2009 roster. In other words, he should be a solid choice to run the Lions pass offense. If gamers are able to utilize Sanchez correctly in the game, it could lead to some solid QB numbers -- especially with the rookie throwing to Calvin Johnson. Sanchez will be a solid starter for the Madden 10 Lions, but do not expect him to have the same type of impact that a solid offensive lineman would -- the Madden 10 Lions still will not be able to run.
2. St. Louis Ram - Eugene Monroe T Virginia
What it means for the Rams
What better way to replace former first pick Orlando Pace than to pick up the most dominant offensive lineman in college football last season? Monroe should provide the necessary protection that Marc Bulger needs to revitalize the greatest show on turf, and he should give Stephen Jackson an opportunity to pick up extra yards up the middle. St. Louis was horrendous on offense last year, and Monroe is the type of player that can make an immediate offensive impact.
What it means for the Madden 10 Rams
Watch out for the Rams in Madden 10. Not only will Monroe increase the amount of time gamers will have to throw the ball, but he will also open up some monster holes that Stephen Jackson can scamper through for big gains. The addition of Monroe alone will drastically improve the Rams on the offensive end, and could turn them into a sleeper pick for gamers looking for some run-and-gun gameplay.
3. Kansas City Chiefs - Aaron Curry LB Wake Forest
What it means for the Chiefs
Curry is the type of impact player on defense that teams dream about. Anyone who watched a Wake Forest game in 2008 knows just what this kid brings to the table. Curry will give instant credibility to a Chiefs defense that was downright terrible in '08, and remind KC fans of the days of Derrick Thomas.
What it means for the Madden 10 Chiefs
There are still going to be some major holes in the Chiefs defense in Madden 10, but they will have an impact linebacker that many gamers will exploit. There is nothing better than a monster linebacker to control for a defensive-minded Madden player. As a defensive-minded Madden player myself, the addition of Curry would cause me to play as the Chiefs on a regular basis. If offense takes a backseat to user-controlled linebacker play, the Madden 10 Chiefs may be the team for you.
4. Seattle Seahawks - Matthew Stafford QB Georgia
What it means for the Seahawks
Stafford will be brought in as the heir apparent to Matt Hasselbeck. Under the Holmgren-established system, Stafford should eventually understand how to become be a successful NFL quarterback. However, do not expect great things from Stafford until Hasselbeck retires in a few years.
What it means for the Madden 10 Seahawks
Absolutely nothing. Any Madden fan who knows anything about the game will keep Hasselbeck at the number one spot on the depth chart. This pick could benefit gamers looking to invest in a long-term franchise with the Seahawks (fingers crossed for online franchise mode), but Stafford is not going to be running the show in play now or online games.
5. Cleveland Browns - Jason Smith T Baylor
What it means for the Browns
If Jason Smith drops this far in the draft, Cleveland will be drooling with anticipation. Smith's skill-set can only be eclipsed by Eugene Monroe in terms of offensive linemen in this year's draft, and he would be a great fit with the Browns. Joe Thomas and Smith could team up to be one of the better offensive tackle combos in NFL history. And, let's face it, Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson need all the help they can get.
What it means for the Madden 10 Browns
This could be a huge addition from a Madden perspective. The addition of Smith would be a perfect compliment to Joe Thomas on the Browns offensive line. Not only would the Browns be the perfect team for those who are pass-happy, but Jamal Lewis could become frighteningly effective with some balanced playcalling. I can already see this team being exploited online via a shotgun formation, giving either Brown or Anderson all day in the pocket to pick a team apart. If that is not bad enough, imagine an opponent mixing in some Jamal Lewis draws out of that formation, and you have a recipe for frustration.
6. Cincinnati Bengals - Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech
What it means for the Bengals
With the loss of T.J. Houshmandzadeh, the Bengals are in dire need of a compliment to Chad Ocho Cinco. Crabtree will be a dynamic receiver coming out of the slot, and he gives a healthy Carson Palmer a speedy weapon with great hands. Crabtree could be the type of catalyst that the Bengals inefficient 2008 offense needs.
What it means for the Madden 10 Bengals
If the Bengals pick up Crabtree at number six, this would make them a very scary Madden team. Carson Palmer a rock-solid video game QB, and Ocho has always been one of the best receivers in the game. Add in a speedy slot receiver -- Crabtree should command at least a 92 speed rating -- and you have an aerial attack that is going to be very difficult to contain. Even if the Bengals defense struggles in the game, which it will, the Bengals will be able to score points in bunches.
7. Oakland Raiders - Brian Orakpo DE Texas
What it means for the Raiders
Oakland needs help on both sides of the ball. Even though there may be some offensive players (Jeremy Macklin) that fill more immediate needs for the silver and black, Orakpo is the type of explosive defensive player the Raiders could use. Orakpo is big, strong and has the ability to impact a defense in the ways Jevon Kearse and Shawne Merriman impacted their respective teams.
What it means for the Madden 10 Raiders
Orakpo could be the type of defensive end that gamers gush about. There is nothing better than having an end who is not only physically imposing, but also fast. Orakpo could make the Raiders pass rush scary, and could turn the Raiders into a very fun team to use -- assuming you enjoy playing as a defensive end.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars - B.J. Raji DT Boston College
What it means for the Jaguars
Jacksonville is in desperate need of some type of pass rush, and Raji is a perfect interior lineman that can make an immediate difference. Raji has the skill-set to disrupt an offensive pass block and should be quick enough to contain the run. This pick could solidify the Jags defensive line for years to come.
What it means for the Madden 10 Jaguars
As someone who plays almost exclusively as a defensive tackle in Madden, I cannot wait to pick up my controller and control Raji. His swim and spin moves should be solid, and he will definitely be able to cause some type of offensive disruption up the middle. (Here is to hoping that EA has fixed OL/DL interaction in Madden 10 since even Raji cannot escape suction blocking.)
9. Green Bay Packers - Aaron Maybin DE Penn State
What it means for Green Bay
With the Packers switching to a 3-4 defense this season, a solid pass rush is a must. Maybin was very good at pressuring opposing QBs during the 2008 college season, and he will be a perfect fit for Green Bay at number nine. Orakpo, Raji and Maybin are the three best defensive linemen in the 2009 Draft, and each will make an immediate impact on his respective team.
What it means for the Madden 10 Packers
Much of what I have already said about Orakpo and B.J. Raji also applies to Maybin. Maybin will be another Madden defensive guru’s dream. I can see Maybin and Orakpo having very similar ratings, which should allow users to rack up sacks with ease.
10. San Francisco 49ers - Josh Freeman QB Kansas State
What it means for the 49ers
It is no secret that San Francisco is desperately looking for a franchise quarterback. With both Sanchez and Stafford already off the board, Freeman is the logical choice to be taken by the Niners at number 10. Freeman may be the most gifted QB in the entire draft and oozes raw talent. With a little guidance, Freeman should become quality QB. So, who better to coach him than Mike Singletary? Freeman will be playing for the Niners by mid-season, but do not count on a significant impact from him until the 2010 season.
What it means for the Madden 10 49ers
The real question is, what does this mean for online souls everywhere? Freeman is going to be a cheeser's dream come true in this year's Madden. We are talking about old-school-Michael-Vick-circa-Madden-2005 cheese here. Freeman has a cannon for an arm, is built like a horse and is able to scramble out of the pocket with ease. If this guy ends up at number 10, count on a flood of new Niners fans in every online lobby available. I can already hear the forum complaints now.
So what are your thoughts on the first 10 picks? Any surprises? Anyone you think should have been included? How will these players impact Madden 10? Discuss away, the draft is only three
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