Hello all, after reading last year's excellent by PGaither, I realized I was ill-prepared for this year's fantasy draft. I realized I needed a Potential Guide to work off of, and a clear grasp of how the system and Madden work. I made my own Potential Guide WIP , which is now complete!
The only thing left to do is add the walkthrough to help the lost like me. This is my first attempt at a guide with commentary, and it will not be finished immediately. I hope to have it finished by soon, but I do not want any restrictions as I have no idea how long this will take.
Also, my restrictions for players are harsher than PGaither's. For example, only 4 quarterbacks will be suggested as possible starters. I also value overall MUCH higher than PGaither, and I rarely draft someone that does not have A potential at under 25 years old. I have also checked all of players with the excellent Player Ratings Guide, which shows progression after a couple of years. Incredibly useful utility.
Anyway, in the style of PGaither, here goes.
Offense
Finished
WIP
- Quarterbacks
- Half-Backs
- Full-Backs
- Wide Receivers
WIP
- Offensive Tackles
Offense
Spoiler
Quarterbacks
Spoiler
Round 1
Aaron Rodgers
The undisputed best quarterback in Madden, and this year, the NFL. His skill set is pretty much perfect, he is only 27, and he has great name recognition. Everything an owner wants in a franchise quarterback. His biggest problem is that he goes in round 1, and you can get two quarterbacks who develop fast and are 4 years younger 10 rounds later. Aaron Rodgers is the real deal; enjoy him if you can.
Round 13
Matthew Stafford
Pretty much everything a person could want in a prospect, coming in at age 22 and 90 overall is nice. His 98 potential and ability to throw the ball as anyone in the league certainly doesn't hurt his case as a franchise quarterback. He also has enough movement to not hurt your team, and good accuracy and awareness skills. He is a good selection for any team, and a true bargain in the 13th round.
Cam Newton
The best statistical rookie season of all time gets you on a list like this pretty fast. Cam is a great scrambler, would be a great wildcat player if they let you, and has an elite arm on the level of Stafford. He has 99 potential to go with his 88 overall, and it is safe to say that the Panthers aren't still weeping over Andrew Luck returning to school. At age 22, Cam has all of the physical tools to succeed at quarterback, and quite possibly redefine the position. He is by far the best option for those of you out there who love scrambling QB's, but didn't want to spring a #1 draft pick on Aaron Rodgers. Cam Newton is another guy you can't go wrong with, and my personal favorite, though I am admittedly biased.
Round 22
Jake Locker
This Washington alumni at only 23 is another good scrambling quarterback. He sits in the ballpark of 94 potential, and he runs fast with a big arm. He is a borderline starter at 77 overall, and the Titans are probably right to sit him for 2 years and unleash him upon their opponents. He has raw skills, but develops quickly and effectively. The perfect backup QB to use as trade bait.
This Washington alumni at only 23 is another good scrambling quarterback. He sits in the ballpark of 94 potential, and he runs fast with a big arm. He is a borderline starter at 77 overall, and the Titans are probably right to sit him for 2 years and unleash him upon their opponents. He has raw skills, but develops quickly and effectively. The perfect backup QB to use as trade bait.
Round 24
Blaine Gabbert
This pressurobic 21 year old has good potential in Madden, and you could be the perfect person to revive and save his career. The problem is that if you have any hopes of winning, you need him to sit him on the bench with his 70 overall. He is only 21 years old, so he can afford 2 years to progress to mediocrity. Once he gets there, he is a very adequate pocket passer with the ability to move out of the pocket when need be. He also makes an excellent backup with great potential for trade bait.
Blaine Gabbert
This pressurobic 21 year old has good potential in Madden, and you could be the perfect person to revive and save his career. The problem is that if you have any hopes of winning, you need him to sit him on the bench with his 70 overall. He is only 21 years old, so he can afford 2 years to progress to mediocrity. Once he gets there, he is a very adequate pocket passer with the ability to move out of the pocket when need be. He also makes an excellent backup with great potential for trade bait.
Undrafted Players
Terrelle Pryor
Listed more for fun factor than anything else, Terrelle Pryor should not be starting and probably never should for your team. What gives him a spot on the list is his 91 speed. He is one of the more fun quarterbacks to run around with, and his injury concerns aren't half as bad as Vick. Pryor can make an excellent QB #2 for any team, and a fun wildcat quarterback to boot.
Listed more for fun factor than anything else, Terrelle Pryor should not be starting and probably never should for your team. What gives him a spot on the list is his 91 speed. He is one of the more fun quarterbacks to run around with, and his injury concerns aren't half as bad as Vick. Pryor can make an excellent QB #2 for any team, and a fun wildcat quarterback to boot.
Half-Backs
Spoiler
Round 1
Adrian Peterson
You all knew this was coming; there was no question about it. All Day Peterson is everything you could ask for in a half back, the perfect combination of speed, elusiveness, and trucking. He is a weapon in every facet of the game, and you should be excited to use him as such. This 99 overall, age 26 player is a can't-go-wrong with player.
Arian Foster
The best all around back after Adrian Peterson, Arian Foster is already one of the most established undrafted free agents of all time. He is a cornerstone to build a team around at 96 overall and 25 years old, and is a nice option for run first teams. Progresses to 99 after one year!
Jamaal Charles
The first "role" back on my list, Jamaal Charles is a great elusive back that is simply a blast to play with. Whenever I draft him, HB screen instantly becomes one of my favorite plays. He has 98 speed, 95 overall, and 24 speed with room to grow. Certainly one of my favorite backs. Has great skills, but does not progress after year one.
LeSean McCoy
He is the youngest back over 90 overall, and his 94 overall is certainly nice. His elusiveness is 99, which is fun and easy to use. He has some of the best hands for a back, and is 23 years old. The main reason he doesn't always get my recommendation is his ceiling is 96, while Jamaal Charles can get to 98. LeSean McCoy also doesn't have the most elite straight line speed, with a mere above average 93, which is not ideal for an open field back. If you can get past his speed, you will likely make him a beast for fantasy leagues in PPR formats. He just needs to reach his potential, which he doesn't do after year one.
A true power-back, this former undrafted running back is a less talented Mark Ingram. I only draft him if I am planning on using Noel Devine, and I want another half-back to balance my power, scat combination. Blount with his 80 overall can be trusted to run through the hole, but not outside, and is absolutely terrible at holding onto the football, both catching and carrying. He has relatively high awareness and potential for a 2 year old, so he could be a good sim back. Do not make him your feature back.
C.J. Spiller
Spiller is one of the most fun backs to use, even with 78 overall. He has 95 speed, accelleration, and agility, with great elusiveness to go along with it. He is prohibited by a low ball carrier vision. Side note, can anyone validate what BCV does? He usually progresses after one year to around an 85, and remains a fun back to use in the passing game. Really just a good all-around choice at half back.
Ryan Williams makes a good to excellent #3 back. He has a diverse skill set with a nice combination of trucking and elusiveness, but these are somewhat limited due to his 85 speed. He progresses nicely from 73 overall at age 21, but should never be asked to carry the load due to is lack of speed and pure trucking ability. He is still one of the most premier #3 backs that I have found.
You all knew this was coming; there was no question about it. All Day Peterson is everything you could ask for in a half back, the perfect combination of speed, elusiveness, and trucking. He is a weapon in every facet of the game, and you should be excited to use him as such. This 99 overall, age 26 player is a can't-go-wrong with player.
Arian Foster
The best all around back after Adrian Peterson, Arian Foster is already one of the most established undrafted free agents of all time. He is a cornerstone to build a team around at 96 overall and 25 years old, and is a nice option for run first teams. Progresses to 99 after one year!
Round 2
Jamaal Charles
The first "role" back on my list, Jamaal Charles is a great elusive back that is simply a blast to play with. Whenever I draft him, HB screen instantly becomes one of my favorite plays. He has 98 speed, 95 overall, and 24 speed with room to grow. Certainly one of my favorite backs. Has great skills, but does not progress after year one.
LeSean McCoy
He is the youngest back over 90 overall, and his 94 overall is certainly nice. His elusiveness is 99, which is fun and easy to use. He has some of the best hands for a back, and is 23 years old. The main reason he doesn't always get my recommendation is his ceiling is 96, while Jamaal Charles can get to 98. LeSean McCoy also doesn't have the most elite straight line speed, with a mere above average 93, which is not ideal for an open field back. If you can get past his speed, you will likely make him a beast for fantasy leagues in PPR formats. He just needs to reach his potential, which he doesn't do after year one.
Round 3
LeGarrette BlountDarren McFadden
Coming out of college, the two-time Heisman runner up was thought to be the next elite halfback prospect. When healthy, he has shown that, but that is quite rare, which proves to be his main problem. He has the rare skill set of 97 speed, and good trucking, which is easily raised with his 98 potential at only 24. One thing to keep in mind is he is injury prone, but if drafted will make a good between the tackles runner who can easily get to the open field.
Coming out of college, the two-time Heisman runner up was thought to be the next elite halfback prospect. When healthy, he has shown that, but that is quite rare, which proves to be his main problem. He has the rare skill set of 97 speed, and good trucking, which is easily raised with his 98 potential at only 24. One thing to keep in mind is he is injury prone, but if drafted will make a good between the tackles runner who can easily get to the open field.
Round 28
Mark Ingram
This 1st round 22 year old has good potential, particularly as a goal-line back and fullback. He usually progresses to 99 carry after one year, which is quite nice, and has the necessary trucking, acceleration, and agility to find holes to run through. I generally use him as an offset to my high-rated scat back. Eventually, his 79 overall progresses and he can be the best thunder back in the league.
Roy Helu
He also posses Mark Ingram's 79 overall, but his skills are drastically different. Helu makes a good starting scat back, but he has lower potential than Ingram. He makes a good offset to either option, especially on those 3rd downs where your starter is fatigued or injured. He possesses the necessary skills to one day be a feature back, but at the beginning of your franchise the 22 year old could be little ineffective due to being a scat back with 93 speed.
This 1st round 22 year old has good potential, particularly as a goal-line back and fullback. He usually progresses to 99 carry after one year, which is quite nice, and has the necessary trucking, acceleration, and agility to find holes to run through. I generally use him as an offset to my high-rated scat back. Eventually, his 79 overall progresses and he can be the best thunder back in the league.
Roy Helu
He also posses Mark Ingram's 79 overall, but his skills are drastically different. Helu makes a good starting scat back, but he has lower potential than Ingram. He makes a good offset to either option, especially on those 3rd downs where your starter is fatigued or injured. He possesses the necessary skills to one day be a feature back, but at the beginning of your franchise the 22 year old could be little ineffective due to being a scat back with 93 speed.
A true power-back, this former undrafted running back is a less talented Mark Ingram. I only draft him if I am planning on using Noel Devine, and I want another half-back to balance my power, scat combination. Blount with his 80 overall can be trusted to run through the hole, but not outside, and is absolutely terrible at holding onto the football, both catching and carrying. He has relatively high awareness and potential for a 2 year old, so he could be a good sim back. Do not make him your feature back.
C.J. Spiller
Spiller is one of the most fun backs to use, even with 78 overall. He has 95 speed, accelleration, and agility, with great elusiveness to go along with it. He is prohibited by a low ball carrier vision. Side note, can anyone validate what BCV does? He usually progresses after one year to around an 85, and remains a fun back to use in the passing game. Really just a good all-around choice at half back.
Round 34
Ryan Williams
Ryan Williams
Ryan Williams makes a good to excellent #3 back. He has a diverse skill set with a nice combination of trucking and elusiveness, but these are somewhat limited due to his 85 speed. He progresses nicely from 73 overall at age 21, but should never be asked to carry the load due to is lack of speed and pure trucking ability. He is still one of the most premier #3 backs that I have found.
Round 48
Delone Carter
He is a good #4 option for those of you who like having 4 backs, and start one of them for a couple of weeks just to annoy fantasy owners. I hate you, Mike Shanahan. Delone also has 85 speed, and decent trucking skills. His main issue is how high his awareness is in comparison to Noel Devine. Carter is also not helped by his age, 24, and slow progression due to being #4 on the depth chart. He is still a good #4 option, and could develop into an elite #2.
Delone Carter
He is a good #4 option for those of you who like having 4 backs, and start one of them for a couple of weeks just to annoy fantasy owners. I hate you, Mike Shanahan. Delone also has 85 speed, and decent trucking skills. His main issue is how high his awareness is in comparison to Noel Devine. Carter is also not helped by his age, 24, and slow progression due to being #4 on the depth chart. He is still a good #4 option, and could develop into an elite #2.
Undrafted Players
Noel Devine
This is the guy I have been talking about.With 94 speed and excellent acceleration, agility, elusiveness, and ball carrier vision, Devine is a force to be reckoned with. He is absolutely not a feature back due to his inability to catch or hold onto the football, and his 27 awareness certainly isn't elite. He is fun to control, and at age 23 with 65 overall, can become an excellent half back for your team.
This is the guy I have been talking about.With 94 speed and excellent acceleration, agility, elusiveness, and ball carrier vision, Devine is a force to be reckoned with. He is absolutely not a feature back due to his inability to catch or hold onto the football, and his 27 awareness certainly isn't elite. He is fun to control, and at age 23 with 65 overall, can become an excellent half back for your team.
Full-Backs
Spoiler
Round 8
Vontae Leach
I know, I don't support drafting old players, but Vontae Leach is far and away the best player at his position. He is everything I hope for in my full backs, and the ultimate goal of a full back is him.If he is drafted, your half-backs have an elite lead blocker, and your quarterback has a good pass-catcher. He is hindered by his draft status and age in my book, plus I don't use full-backs all that often.
Round 22
Henry Hynoski
Yay, Giants won the super-bowl. You know what that means, giant ratings and potential increases. Hynoski was excellent in the super bowl, and has been good all year. He has the skills necessary to succeed at the position, but goes too early for my taste. You decide if the 75 overall 22 year old is worth a 22nd round pick to you.
Vontae Leach
I know, I don't support drafting old players, but Vontae Leach is far and away the best player at his position. He is everything I hope for in my full backs, and the ultimate goal of a full back is him.If he is drafted, your half-backs have an elite lead blocker, and your quarterback has a good pass-catcher. He is hindered by his draft status and age in my book, plus I don't use full-backs all that often.
Round 22
Henry Hynoski
Yay, Giants won the super-bowl. You know what that means, giant ratings and potential increases. Hynoski was excellent in the super bowl, and has been good all year. He has the skills necessary to succeed at the position, but goes too early for my taste. You decide if the 75 overall 22 year old is worth a 22nd round pick to you.
Undrafted Players
Owen Marecic
My personal favorite full-back, Marecic has good potential, and I can draft him in the 45th round. He progresses somewhat slowly, so I will occasionally scout full-backs in the next year's draft, but he is at the very least an adequate option who can hold down the fort. He is only 22, so if he progresses past his 67 overall, he can be a true force for years to come on your team. If he doesn't, you have to spend a 45th round draft pick, not too bad huh?
Owen Marecic
My personal favorite full-back, Marecic has good potential, and I can draft him in the 45th round. He progresses somewhat slowly, so I will occasionally scout full-backs in the next year's draft, but he is at the very least an adequate option who can hold down the fort. He is only 22, so if he progresses past his 67 overall, he can be a true force for years to come on your team. If he doesn't, you have to spend a 45th round draft pick, not too bad huh?
Wide Receivers
Joe Thomas
Currently the best offensive lineman in football, Joe Thomas is an incredibly well rounded mix of strenth, pass blocking, and run blocking. He has the potential to develop into a 99, though he rarely does. He has 96 in all pass blocking and run blocking attributes, and a nice 97 impact blocking. His 94 strength is not too shabby either. Do not be afraid of drafting an offensive lineman in the first round, particularly if he is Joe Thomas. Joe Thomas is 26 years old for those of you who are worried.
Jake Long
A perennial pro bowler, this Michigan alumni is a stronger Joe Thomas with less footwork. Pass blocking footwork is less important than strength, and it is not like 93 footwork will ever hurt your team. The biggest reason he is behind Joe Thomas on is that despite 4 more strength, Jake Long has 5 less impact blocking. Regardless, they are both worth a first round pick if you are running an offensive-based team with a trench building philosophy. Jake Long is also 26.
Ryan Clady
The owner of the most impressive rookie season for an offensive lineman, Ryan Clady is a beast in pass protection. This 24 year old has proven his pass protection skills, but is still only an average run blocker. I personally often avoid drafting him because a lot of his 91 overall is awareness. Regardless of personal preference, Clady is a person who can pass portect, and in an offense where the primary option is pass, Clady just might be a perfect fit.
Jared Veldheer
At the still young age of 24, Veldheer has proven to be a solid blocker in all facets of the game. Donnie recognizes this, and has given Veldheer the awareness to pick blitzes up, the strength to fight them ooff, and the necessary footwork and strength to block defenders. Veldheer progresses quickly to a 92-96 area, and can be any quarterback's favorite blocker. 88 overall is enough to spend a 5th round pick on, and his potential always makes it a good pick.
Tyron Smith
If you are drafting Tyron Smith, then you are drafting a player primarily for potential. His cap is 99 so there is plenty of that. You get a 20 year old player with plenty of talent and upside with this pick. At first his 85 overall does not look all that impressive, but when you look more closely at his sub 70 awareness, you realize he will be a player who can block with the best of them at 99 overall, and he quite possibly will max out all of those attributes. A team that does not care about winning now should draft him and move him to be the blindside protector. In his 2nd year, when he is 93 overall, this investment will have paid off nicely.
Bryan Bulaga
While Bulaga will start out average in nearly all facets of the game, he has the potential to develop into one of the top tackles in the game. He is still only 22, so he has time to develop into a premier tackle. He is 94 overall with 88 in every blocking attribute, and prominently features an average 85 strength. Regardless, he has the potential to be one of the top right tackles for years to come.
Nate Solder
Solder is a pure upside pick, as his low awareness and strength can hinder him in both played and simmed games. While upside is the primary reason a person would draft him, he is an adequate right tackle before progression. He has excellent footwork, which can hide his 82 strength at times. When he develops, his pass block strength and run block strength will have left his 82 strength in the dust, but until they progress you quite possibly will find Solder to be ineffectual. Luckily, he has time to progress, as he is still only 23 years old.
Anthony Castonzo
Castonzo is a solid combination of upside and draft location. He can start on the right side immediately, and he can be an excellent backup on either side. He has adequate upper body strength for a starter at 85, and has decent footwork and strength ratings against both the run and the pass. His 82 impact blocking allows him to occasionally knowck defenders onto the ground. For those of you who care about overall, he starts out at 75 overall on the left side and 80 overall on the right side. All in all, I consider him a steal in the 21st round, and slightly better than Orlando Franklin.
Spoiler
Round 1
Calvin Johnson Jr.
Perhaps the best wide receiver prospect ever, this 6'5" monster has well earned his title of best Madden Receiver. Use him as a crutch like Stafford in real life, and watch him put up big numbers for years to come. Not much more to say other than he has 95 speed and is only 25.
Perhaps the best wide receiver prospect ever, this 6'5" monster has well earned his title of best Madden Receiver. Use him as a crutch like Stafford in real life, and watch him put up big numbers for years to come. Not much more to say other than he has 95 speed and is only 25.
Round 2
Hakeem Nicks
He is the best Giants receiver, whatever the numbers say, and at age 23 can be the best receiver on your team for a long time. He does everything well, and has the perfect skills to succeed on my team. Moderately fast, with some jumping ability. He is a decent cornerstone to build around who quickly progresses his 94 overall to 98.
He is the best Giants receiver, whatever the numbers say, and at age 23 can be the best receiver on your team for a long time. He does everything well, and has the perfect skills to succeed on my team. Moderately fast, with some jumping ability. He is a decent cornerstone to build around who quickly progresses his 94 overall to 98.
Round 6
A.J. Green
In real life, he has an absolute ton of potential and plenty of talent. In Madden, he is prohibited by his 89 speed. He still has his 98 potential, good route-running, and great jumping ability to fall back on. I only recommend taking A.J. Green if you are running a 3 wideout set that always keeps 3 on the field, and you plan on drafting the next 2 players on my list, but need 1 more excellent option and you don't like Torrey Smith.
Julio Jones
A fabolously fast #1 wide receiver with excellent jumping ability and speed. He is what I like to call a playmaker wide receiver, with good jumping ability, speed, and spectacular catch. I absolutely love the 22 year old's quick progression to 98. Draft him if you want a top receiver.
Dez Bryant
In real life, he may be a polarizing figure, but in Madden you will grow to love him. He grows quickly to be a 99, and is in the same mold as Julio Jones. He is 22. Not much more to say.
In real life, he has an absolute ton of potential and plenty of talent. In Madden, he is prohibited by his 89 speed. He still has his 98 potential, good route-running, and great jumping ability to fall back on. I only recommend taking A.J. Green if you are running a 3 wideout set that always keeps 3 on the field, and you plan on drafting the next 2 players on my list, but need 1 more excellent option and you don't like Torrey Smith.
Julio Jones
A fabolously fast #1 wide receiver with excellent jumping ability and speed. He is what I like to call a playmaker wide receiver, with good jumping ability, speed, and spectacular catch. I absolutely love the 22 year old's quick progression to 98. Draft him if you want a top receiver.
Dez Bryant
In real life, he may be a polarizing figure, but in Madden you will grow to love him. He grows quickly to be a 99, and is in the same mold as Julio Jones. He is 22. Not much more to say.
Round 12
Torrey Smith
If you are lucky, you might be able to catch him at the top of Round 13. Don't wait for him. Draft him whenever you can, as he is the ultimate slot receiver who happens to fit into my ideal mold of a receiver. At only 79 overall and 94 potential, the 12th round may be a steep price to pay for a 3rd wide receiver, so he can be used as a 2nd. In a passing offense though, he returns your investment back quickly.
If you are lucky, you might be able to catch him at the top of Round 13. Don't wait for him. Draft him whenever you can, as he is the ultimate slot receiver who happens to fit into my ideal mold of a receiver. At only 79 overall and 94 potential, the 12th round may be a steep price to pay for a 3rd wide receiver, so he can be used as a 2nd. In a passing offense though, he returns your investment back quickly.
Round 20
Denarius Moore
He was very good for the Raiders this year, and I think of him as a middle class man's Torrey Smith. Moore posses all of the same skills as Smith, but he goes 8 rounds later, a huge positive. He also is slightly slower, has lower overall, and has something like 3 points lower of potential. He can be an extremely high end 4th wide receiver, an average 3rd wide receiver, or a really low end 2nd wide receiver. It all depends on what kind of offense you want to run.
Randall Cobb
Cobb is a dynamic kick returner, and has decent speed and route running, His biggest issue is his lack of jumping ability and height. He also cannot beat press coverage in any instance in case you are running an online franchise. He can be a solid slot man like he is for the Packers, or you can just bring him out in 4 WR sets. Either way, Cobb cannot start until he progresses.
Jonathan Baldwin
Baldwin is the prototypical big man wideout. He has the raw speed, jumping ability, and height to fit in with just about any scheme. At 6'4" and 91 speed, he is an absolute force to be reckoned with. At this point in the draft, you should probably be looking for a 4th wideout with upside, Baldwin fits the bill.
Leonard Hankerson
Hankerson has pretty much the same bio as Jonathan Baldwin. Hankerson has higher overall potential, but is a year older, an inch shorter, and has 92 speed to Baldwin's 91. They both can jump and will progress into solid starters or trade bait for any team.
Ricardo Lockette
Lockette is all anyone could possibly want from an undrafted player. He is popular with kick return designation, due to his 96 speed. He is 6' tall with decent jumping ability. What else could you possibly want from a 5th option?
Denarius Moore
He was very good for the Raiders this year, and I think of him as a middle class man's Torrey Smith. Moore posses all of the same skills as Smith, but he goes 8 rounds later, a huge positive. He also is slightly slower, has lower overall, and has something like 3 points lower of potential. He can be an extremely high end 4th wide receiver, an average 3rd wide receiver, or a really low end 2nd wide receiver. It all depends on what kind of offense you want to run.
Round 26
Randall Cobb
Cobb is a dynamic kick returner, and has decent speed and route running, His biggest issue is his lack of jumping ability and height. He also cannot beat press coverage in any instance in case you are running an online franchise. He can be a solid slot man like he is for the Packers, or you can just bring him out in 4 WR sets. Either way, Cobb cannot start until he progresses.
Round 40
Jonathan Baldwin
Baldwin is the prototypical big man wideout. He has the raw speed, jumping ability, and height to fit in with just about any scheme. At 6'4" and 91 speed, he is an absolute force to be reckoned with. At this point in the draft, you should probably be looking for a 4th wideout with upside, Baldwin fits the bill.
Round 41
Leonard Hankerson
Hankerson has pretty much the same bio as Jonathan Baldwin. Hankerson has higher overall potential, but is a year older, an inch shorter, and has 92 speed to Baldwin's 91. They both can jump and will progress into solid starters or trade bait for any team.
Undrafted Free Agent
Ricardo Lockette
Lockette is all anyone could possibly want from an undrafted player. He is popular with kick return designation, due to his 96 speed. He is 6' tall with decent jumping ability. What else could you possibly want from a 5th option?
Offensive Tackles
Spoiler
Round 1
Joe Thomas
Currently the best offensive lineman in football, Joe Thomas is an incredibly well rounded mix of strenth, pass blocking, and run blocking. He has the potential to develop into a 99, though he rarely does. He has 96 in all pass blocking and run blocking attributes, and a nice 97 impact blocking. His 94 strength is not too shabby either. Do not be afraid of drafting an offensive lineman in the first round, particularly if he is Joe Thomas. Joe Thomas is 26 years old for those of you who are worried.
Jake Long
A perennial pro bowler, this Michigan alumni is a stronger Joe Thomas with less footwork. Pass blocking footwork is less important than strength, and it is not like 93 footwork will ever hurt your team. The biggest reason he is behind Joe Thomas on is that despite 4 more strength, Jake Long has 5 less impact blocking. Regardless, they are both worth a first round pick if you are running an offensive-based team with a trench building philosophy. Jake Long is also 26.
Round 5
Ryan Clady
The owner of the most impressive rookie season for an offensive lineman, Ryan Clady is a beast in pass protection. This 24 year old has proven his pass protection skills, but is still only an average run blocker. I personally often avoid drafting him because a lot of his 91 overall is awareness. Regardless of personal preference, Clady is a person who can pass portect, and in an offense where the primary option is pass, Clady just might be a perfect fit.
Jared Veldheer
At the still young age of 24, Veldheer has proven to be a solid blocker in all facets of the game. Donnie recognizes this, and has given Veldheer the awareness to pick blitzes up, the strength to fight them ooff, and the necessary footwork and strength to block defenders. Veldheer progresses quickly to a 92-96 area, and can be any quarterback's favorite blocker. 88 overall is enough to spend a 5th round pick on, and his potential always makes it a good pick.
Tyron Smith
If you are drafting Tyron Smith, then you are drafting a player primarily for potential. His cap is 99 so there is plenty of that. You get a 20 year old player with plenty of talent and upside with this pick. At first his 85 overall does not look all that impressive, but when you look more closely at his sub 70 awareness, you realize he will be a player who can block with the best of them at 99 overall, and he quite possibly will max out all of those attributes. A team that does not care about winning now should draft him and move him to be the blindside protector. In his 2nd year, when he is 93 overall, this investment will have paid off nicely.
Round 7
Bryan Bulaga
While Bulaga will start out average in nearly all facets of the game, he has the potential to develop into one of the top tackles in the game. He is still only 22, so he has time to develop into a premier tackle. He is 94 overall with 88 in every blocking attribute, and prominently features an average 85 strength. Regardless, he has the potential to be one of the top right tackles for years to come.
Round 8
Nate Solder
Solder is a pure upside pick, as his low awareness and strength can hinder him in both played and simmed games. While upside is the primary reason a person would draft him, he is an adequate right tackle before progression. He has excellent footwork, which can hide his 82 strength at times. When he develops, his pass block strength and run block strength will have left his 82 strength in the dust, but until they progress you quite possibly will find Solder to be ineffectual. Luckily, he has time to progress, as he is still only 23 years old.
Round 21
Anthony Castonzo
Castonzo is a solid combination of upside and draft location. He can start on the right side immediately, and he can be an excellent backup on either side. He has adequate upper body strength for a starter at 85, and has decent footwork and strength ratings against both the run and the pass. His 82 impact blocking allows him to occasionally knowck defenders onto the ground. For those of you who care about overall, he starts out at 75 overall on the left side and 80 overall on the right side. All in all, I consider him a steal in the 21st round, and slightly better than Orlando Franklin.
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