A new NFL season is almost upon us, as franchises on both coasts put the final touches on their preparations for what promises to be an epic regular season full of twists and turns.
The NFL Draft was as hectic as ever with teams scrambling to fill gaping holes in their rosters or heading back to the drawing board by trying to build around a fresh-faced franchise quarterback.
Here we take a look at some of the rookies who dominated the college scene and now are hoping to make a splash at football’s elite level, planning on lingering in the upper echelons of the player rankings, found in video games like Madden, for years to come. Who will you have your eye on this season?
There are some rookie quarterbacks who will be out to make an immediate impact and get some early season wins under their belts, but will they get the protection they need?
Ja’Marr Chase – Wide Receiver – Cincinnati Bengals
General managers of franchises just love it when a plan comes together during the draft and that was certainly the case for the Bengals this off-season, as they acquired a wide receiver from LSU by the name of Ja’Marr Chase, who is well-schooled in chasing down end zone passes from Joe Burrow, and delivering for those fans who like to bet on high scoring players.
The two former college teammates will no doubt love playing together and could start to build something really special in Cinci this season, which will put the Bengals in the mix high up the Super Bowl winner betting odds lines. If their on-field relationship flourishes as it is expected to, then both these players should be highly ranked individuals on Madden for seasons to come.
Trevor Lawrence – Quarterback – Jacksonville Jaguars
Being the number 1 pick in the draft is an amazing achievement for any young quarterback, but there is not much time to bask in the limelight before reality sets in, and the player in question comes to realize the weight of expectation on their shoulders, usually at a franchise that expects you to work miracles.
That was what Joe Burrow had to contend with last season and it will be interesting to see how Trevor Lawrence tackles the same task this term. He arguably comes into an even weaker setup than Burrow did, although the franchise is working hard to ensure he at least gets the protection such an important player deserves. Urban Meyer is the new man at the helm for the Jags, and together him and Lawrence could become the next Brady and Belichick, or at least that is what Jacksonville fans will be dreaming of.
Pro football isn’t all about glitz and glamour, as rookies learn quickly that staying at the top in the NFL is a tough feat, which requires them to keep learning on a daily basis
Jaylen Waddle – Wide Receiver – Miami Dolphins
A team who appeared to be on an upwards trajectory in 2020 were the Dolphins, even as major doubts began to surface about the long-term viability of their quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. However, rather than starting from scratch, Miami has decided to rally around Tagovailoa, and one of the ways they have done that is by bolstering their receiving corps.
Jaylen Waddle is part of the cavalry charge, having averaged an insane number of yards per carry at college and possessing a turn of speed that will leave some defensive lines eating his dust. As long as his hamstrings and ankles hold up, Waddle should be a Madden mainstay for seasons to come.