Submitted on: 04/16/2009 by
Christian McLeod
Last week I looked at the top ten picks in this year's upcoming NFL Draft while also exploring the repercussions of each pick in Madden NFL 10. This week I will take a look at picks 11-21. The final ten picks of the first round will be covered the week of April 20 -- so all you Steelers fans be patient.
11. Buffalo Bills - Everette Brown DE Florida State
What it means for the Bills
Word is that the Bills are looking for some defensive help, especially when it comes to defensive end. Everette Brown is the best end left on the Operation Sports board, and therefore is likely be playing on Sundays for the Bills. Brown brings size, strength and speed to a defense that could help the Bills reach the 2010 postseason.
What it means for the Madden 10 Bills
Brown should be up there with Aaron Maybin in terms of ratings. The 2010 version of Madden could be a quarterback's nightmare because of all the solid young talent that will be jumping off the line. Look for a player like Brown to contain cheese players, taking away the outside on QB rolls/scrambles.
12. Denver Broncos - Andre Smith OL Alabama
What it means for the Broncos
Andre Smith may have slipped a bit because of his combine performance, but he is still the most dominant run blocker in this year's draft. The Broncos love to run -- so much so that it was hard to not see them taking Beanie Wells with this pick -- but Smith is going to open up some monstrous holes for the high-powered run game. Denver’s running backs should see an immediate payoff if Smith can get himself into proper NFL condition by September.
What it means for the Madden 10 Broncos
If Smith stays in shape and earns solid ratings from the Madden team, the Broncos could be one of the better running teams in the game. With Selvin Young, Ryan Torain and LaMont Jordan bursting through holes created by Smith, the Broncos could have opposing defenders crushing their controllers.
13. Washington Redskins - Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri
What it means for the Redskins
Washington is missing a true home run threat on offense, and Maclin fills the Redskins' need for an offensive impact player. Maclin will become a true deep threat for the Skins, allowing Antwaan Randle El to be utilized more as a slot threat and a gadget-play player. Maclin catches anything thrown his way, and has the speed and agility to more than compensate for his lack of height.
What it means for the Madden 10 Redskins
The one thing that always holds me back when I use the Skins in Madden 09 is the fact that they do not have a skilled wideout that can take a game over. Maclin should be rated highly in speed, agility and route running, and could turn into the perfect compliment for Clinton Portis on offense. With Jason Campbell’s ability to scramble, Portis’ ability to overpower defensive players, and Maclin’s ability to separate from defenders down the field, the Skins are primed to be an offensive juggernaut in Madden 10.
14. New Orleans Saints - Percy Harvin WR Florida
What it means for the Saints
With Pierre Thomas emerging in '09 as a capable compliment to Reggie Bush, the Saints could become one of the most dangerous offensive teams in NFL history with the addition of Harvin. Drew Brees has to be smiling ear to ear while thinking about the offensive possibilities that Harvin may be bringing to town. Harvin could also return punts, which would take some pressure off Reggie Bush and his surgically repaired knee. The best thing about Percy is that much like Reggie Bush, anytime the ball is in his hands, he is a legitimate threat to score.
What it means to the Madden 10 Saints
One word: unstoppable. If the Saints land Percy Harvin, prepare to see the Saints emerge as the most overused team online. If Percy is given the the ratings he deserves by the Madden team, he will be a special teams and slot threat to all opposing defenses. Throw in Reggie Bush, some gadget plays and Drew Brees’ rocket arm, and you have a recipe for 50-plus points per game -- using 5 minute quarters.
15. Houston Texans - Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State
What it means for the Texans
Jenkins is the best defensive back in this years draft, and Houston desperately needs another CB to compliment Dunta Robinson. Jenkins is big, physical and has wide receiver hands -- the perfect combination to excel as an NFL corner. Look for Jenkins and Robinson to lock down opposing receivers and take away the deep ball.
What it means for the Madden 10 Texans
Jenkins may not be the quickest defensive back in Madden 10, but I hope the Madden team respects him enough to give him the high tackle, pass deflection and lockdown coverage ratings he deserves. Jenkins and Robinson could make the Texans a perfect pick to counter explosive aerial attacks.
16. San Diego Chargers - Tyson Jackson DE LSU
What it means for the Chargers
San Diego needs a major upgrade at left end to compliment Luis Castillo, and Jackson is the perfect pick at number 16. Jackson is an outstanding pass rusher, and coupled with Castillo, he could find his way into the offensive backfield on a regular basis. Jackson is not as strong as the other DEs taken ahead of him in the draft, but will make a positive impact on the Chargers defensive line nonetheless.
What it means for the Madden 10 Chargers
Tyson Jackson and Luis Castillo could be a pretty scary combination for teams that are pass happy. If the offensive and defensive line interaction is as improved as the Madden team is touting (in other words, less suction blocking), this could be a very fun year to play as a defensive end. Look for users that play as the Chargers to rack up sacks around the edge, and effectively contain users who love to scramble.
17. New York Jets - Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State
What it means for the Jets
Rex Ryan witnessed first hand what a dominant tight end (Todd Heap) could do for an anemic offense. Pettigrew is an excellent run blocker, and a dangerous target down field. He is big, he has got decent speed, and he has great hands. I could not think of a better target for an inexperienced QB like Kellen Clemens. Pettigrew has an opportunity to open up the field for Chansi Stuckey, and could legitimize an offense that looked dead after the loss of Brett Favre and Laveranues Coles.
What it means for the Madden 10 Jets
For some reason, tight ends that can catch have always been a problem for teams to defend in Madden. Pettigrew should be a solid target for gamers because of his size and catching ability. Look for Jets users to utilize Pettigrew on play action to turn quick 5-yard outs into 10-yard gains.
18. Denver Broncos (from Chicago in Cutler trade) Robert Ayers DE/LB Tennessee
What it means for the Broncos
Denver could use someone at OLB, and Ayers would be able to fill that void. Ayers stock has been rising the past few weeks because of his impressive workouts, and he would be an excellent addition to Denver’s defense. Ayers could prove to be a solid pass rusher, and he was great in college against the run. He is the type of player that will be a contributor to the Broncos for years to come. That Jay Cutler trade is looking better and better if you are a Broncos fan.
What it means for the Madden 10 Broncos
Any solid OLB is of great use for those who love defense in Madden, and Ayers will be no different. Look for him to be used on blitz plays and dropped back into coverage on a regular basis. Ayers should have high speed and agility ratings, so look for him to get sacks, plug the run and intercept some passes. Watch out for Ayers if you are playing against him online -- he could be very dangerous in the right hands.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Peria Jerry DT Mississippi
What it means for the Bucs
Tampa Bay was completely dismantled this offseason, and Jerry will be the first step in the rebuilding process. Jerry had a solid Senior Bowl, equally solid workouts and is just as talented as B.J. Raji, who is a surefire top 10 pick. Jerry will cement a solid foundation for the once-feared Tampa Bay defensive line. Jerry will only improve, and look for him to be one of the most dominant defensive tackles in the NFL in a few short seasons.
What it means for the Madden 10 Bucs
To be perfectly honest, the Bucs are going to be terrible in Madden 10. Peria Jerry will add some power to the defensive line, but I do not know if he will be enough to make the team worth using in the game. This pick may have more serious repercussions in Madden 12 or 13, once Tampa has rebuilt, and Jerry has blossomed into a stud lineman.
20. Detroit Lions - Michael Oher OT Missippi
What it means for the Lions
The Lions have so many needs after the 0-16 "success" that was 2008 that many players make sense here. Detroit is in dire need of an offensive tackle that they can build a line around, so that is why they will take Oher here instead of a sexier defensive pick like Rey Maualuga or Vontae Davis. Oher will serve as the anchor on Detroit’s O-line, and has a skill set similar to Eugene Monroe and Jason Smith. Oher will fill a need in Detroit, but he cannot solve all of the Lions problems on his own.
What it means for the Madden 10 Lions
This pick could allow the Lions to run with more success in Madden 10. The best hope for Oher and Lions users is that EA does not fix suction blocking, allowing Oher to open huge holes for Kevin Smith to scamper through. In all seriousness, if Oher can buy an extra second or two on a pass rush to allow Calvin Johnson to get open, Madden 10 Lions fans will be singing Oher’s praises all the way to the end zone.
21. Philadelphia Eagles - Chris "Beanie" Wells RB Ohio State
What it means for the Eagles
Philly would have loved to see Brandon Pettigrew fall to number 21 so that McNabb would have a big tight end to throw to, but they will have to settle for the best running back in this year's draft instead. Brian Westbrook is not getting any younger, and there is no one better to back him up than the most skilled back to come out of college since Adrian Peterson. If Wells can stay healthy, expect him to put up huge numbers, and expect the Eagles to have a lethal one-two punch on the ground. I can see it now -- call them the W-Connection, or the BWouble CWouble (double trouble, get it?). You heard it here first, patent pending.
What it means for the the Madden 10 Eagles
Westbrook and Wells could be a devastating combo on the ground in Madden 10. Brian will be a dual-threat back, especially dangerous on screens, and Chris will be the power back with unbelievable speed once he hits a hole. For players that love to run, the Madden 10 Eagles will be your squad.
Check back next week for the final picks of the first round. If you're a fan of the Cardinals, Giants, or Steelers, you won't want to miss it.
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