I remember Madden 08 and 09 had the "potential" progression system, it's just that the potential was only displayed during the draft and then hidden thereafter. Plus, pre Madden10, the progression system levelled up physical attributes (like up to 6+ in speed etc). Post-M09 but pre-cfm, it's just the potential was displayed and drafting/scouting was often broken as you just needed to sort the players by potential (even when it was hidden!!!)... there is a balance but it will never be at a point where everyone is happy.