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]

Re: Madden 12 Rookie Ratings: Top Linebackers

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]

Re: Madden 12 Rookie Ratings: Top Linebackers

No Dontay Moch?

[angels eclipse7]

Re: Madden 12 Rookie Ratings: Top Linebackers

Yeah, Casey Matthews is way too high.

[brettmickey]

Re: Madden 12 Rookie Ratings: Top Linebackers

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]

Re: Madden 12 Rookie Ratings: Top Linebackers

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]

Re: Madden 12 Rookie Ratings: Top Linebackers

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.

[AC IS ART]

Re: Madden 12 Rookie Ratings: Top Linebackers

As others have said, suprised no Dontay Moch or Mason Foster. Expected Bruce Carter to be higher.

[RedZoneD25]

Re: Madden NFL 12 Rookie Ratings: Top Ten Linebackers

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

You won't catch me complaining.

Casey

[Broncos86]

Re: Madden NFL 12 Rookie Ratings: Top Ten Linebackers

I fully expect (and deeply hope) that Miller will be breaking the 80 OVR level earlier rather than later.

[Atomic Martian]

Re: Madden NFL 12 Rookie Ratings: Top Ten Linebackers

Casey is too high... Delete the last name then Re-evaluate.

[Droopy03]

Bruce Carter will be a ILB in the Cowboys 3-4 defense. Please fix this.

thanks,

[infemous]

any moron knows that Bruce Carter and Mason Foster were about 10 times better than Casey Matthews.


So being related to Clay makes Casey a better player?

GTFOH Donny Moore. You are an imbecile!

[Senator Palmer]

Re: Madden NFL 12 Rookie Ratings: Top Ten Linebackers

Bruce Carter will be a ILB in the Cowboys 3-4 defense. Please fix this.

thanks,

Unfortunately, there is no ILB designation on the depth chart. The second ILB in Madden is the backup MLB. Carter, I believe, was listed as an OLB coming out because of the 4-3 he played in at Carolina. I'm hoping this has something to do with him being rated this low because he presumably doesn't project well as a 3-4 OLB -- I really do hope that's the case. I really do hope there's something I'm not seeing that's the reason behind him being so far behind someone like Casey Matthews, because I'm not feeling any of the ratings so far.