Madden NFL 12 Rookie Ratings: Top Ten Linebackers

[brettmickey]

Von Miller was selected second overall by the Denver Broncos in the latest NFL Draft, and looks to be a future Madden star coming in at a 79 OVR. Here's the top ten rookie linebackers in Madden NFL 12.

A fresh infusion of talent by way of the NFL draft is the surest way your favorite team can build for the future. Why do you think we always debate the top draft classes and not the top free agency classes of all time? We get excited adding rookies to Madden NFL 12 too. Rather than tweaking and adjusting ratings for the same old veterans we get to build new guys from scratch, projecting how they’ll transition to the pro game. If only their coaches could do that.

The group of rookie linebackers in Madden NFL 12 covers a lot of defenders. Some are pass rushers or runstoppers and they can line up in the middle, on the weakside or even on the line in a three-point stance. Speed at this position can make even the most mediocre defensive Madden NFL player a dangerous opponent.

10. Bruce Carter – OLB - DAL - 67 OVR

9. Kelvin Sheppard – MLB - BUF - 67 OVR

8. Colin McCarthy – MLB - TEN - 67 OVR

7. Martez Wilson – MLB - NO - 68 OVR

6. Brooks Reed – OLB - HOU - 69 OVR

5. Casey Matthews – OLB - PHI - 71 OVR

4. Akeem Ayers – OLB - TEN - 72 OVR

3. Ryan Kerrigan – OLB - WAS - 74 OVR

2. Aldon Smith – OLB - SF - 76 OVR

1. Von Miller – OLB - DEN - 79 OVR

Nobody from this group breaks into the 80s but make no mistake, Bronco and Niner fans are expecting big things out of Von Miller and Aldon Smith, respectively. With those new linebackers in the mix Tennessee will have a formidable defense in Madden NFL 12 once again. Smothering with defense may not look pretty but it can be a winning gameplan.
Don’t forget, we’ll be consistently updating all rosters and all players during the 2011 NFL season, so these lists are just a starting point. Keep it here for more on Madden NFL 12 rookies, ratings and info.

Source: Madden NFL 12 Rookie Ratings - Top Ten Linebackers

[Senator Palmer]

I know this wasn't the deepest year for linebackers, but Bruce Carter is too low. I think Casey is a tad high, but if he's a 71, then Bruce should be right there. He was my favorite 4-3 OLB coming out. I can only guess that because in Madden he'll be a 3-4 OLB and the injury as reason for the 67 rating.

[Bengals28]

No Dontay Moch?

[angels eclipse7]

Yeah, Casey Matthews is way too high.

[brettmickey]

Quote: Originally Posted by Senator Palmer

I know this wasn't the deepest year for linebackers, but Bruce Carter is too low. I think Casey is a tad high, but if he's a 71, then Bruce should be right there. He was my favorite 4-3 OLB coming out. I can only guess that because in Madden he'll be a 3-4 OLB and the injury as reason for the 67 rating.

Yeah and why 2 LBS taken in the 4th round (Matthews and McCarthy) are higher than solid 2nd and 3rd rounders (Carter and Sheppard) is beyond me...

[brettmickey]

Quote: Originally Posted by Bengals28

No Dontay Moch?

Another player that was screwed. Anyone else notice how players with relatives in the NFL have over boosted ratings? (Mike Pouncey in the top 10 of all rookies and Casey Matthews ahead of 2nd and 3rd round linebackers)

[tatmanfish]

Quote: Originally Posted by brettmickey

Another player that was screwed. Anyone else notice how players with relatives in the NFL have over boosted ratings? (Mike Pouncey in the top 10 of all rookies and Casey Matthews ahead of 2nd and 3rd round linebackers)

Yeah I was thinking Moch and Foster would be at the bottom of that list but wasnt expecting Matthews or McCarthy at all.

The art of rating players by Donny.....

[Palo20]

I think Casey is vastly overrated, not only in Madden but by everyone.