The 2017 NFL draft occurred in April and a lot of teams received a ton of new young talent. We are going to break that down in how that will affect the Madden 18 rosters. Most players that have an immediate impact on a team in Madden are the guys who touch the ball a lot – Quarterback, Running back, Wide Receiver are just a few. On the defensive side, EDGE rushers & cornerbacks can really help shape a defense.
What I am saying by this is that an offensive lineman might not make an immediate impact for a Madden 18 roster. That’s not to say it is a bad pick but Madden and real life football are a little different. Let’s take a look at the three drafts that will have an immediate effect on Madden 18 rosters come August.
3. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers added one the NCAA’s most elite football players in Christian McCaffrey. The team added some immediate help at running back who could also suffice to help out as a slot receiver. The biggest thing that he offers is his versatility in terms of use for Madden 18. His presence will allow users to create a dynamic run game with Cam Newton, Jonathon Stewart and now McCaffrey. He was a ball player at Stanford and I would predict his overall rating in August to be around an 83 or so. That’ll fluctuate throughout the season as well.
In the second round of the draft, they selected Curtis Samuel out of Ohio St. Samuel has the ability to play both running back and wide out for the team. He figures to contribute in the slot and will provide the team as being a deep threat. He is known for his speed.
Both selections brought the Panthers good offensive weapons who should contribute immediately when a user decides to play with the team. More weapons for the offense figures that players will move the ball more consistently and score points.
2. Cleveland Browns
Yes, the Browns had a good draft for Madden 18. With four picks in the first two rounds they were able to select  Myles Garrett, Jabrill Peppers, David Njoku and Deshone Kizer.
First, Garrett was touted as the best player in this years class and fortunately the Browns were able to select him. His presence will be felt on the defensive side of the ball where he gives them an elite option to rush the quarterback which could produce turnovers, tackles for loss and of course, Sacks. His company on the defense should be able to get to the ball plenty of times. I would guess his overall to be roughly around 84.
Next, David Njoku is the tight end from Miami University who proved to be a great pass catcher for them. His athletic frame and muscular build  could provide the Browns offense with another good weapon to use. Njoku in Madden 18 could provide users with a great option.
The Browns selected Kizer in the second round and many considered him “raw” coming out of Notre Dame but that doesn’t stop me from putting him on this list. The Browns need help at quarterback and that has been obvious. Kizer could be the long term answer but in terms of Madden 18, he brings the team a very good arm. He was known for solid arm strength at his time at ND and can stretch the field. This really benefits players like Corey Coleman, Kenny Britt and Njoku.
The Browns had a solid draft but these players figure to help Madden 18 users right out of the gate. They provided upgrades in positions that will touch the ball often.
1. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals for sure had the best draft that will translate to Madden 18. In the first round, they selected WR John Ross out of the university of Washington. Ross is also known for his speed, Mr. 4.22 at the combine, and we all know that speed in Madden is killer. Ross adds another dynamic to a talented WR group in Cincinnati and is a tremendous weapon for Andy Dalton and Co.
The second round they were able to select RB Joe Mixon, many whom thought was the best RB talent in this years class, but fell due to his off the field concerns. But with his talent on the field, he should be the best in their backfield. I would imagine he comes in around a 78 or so but once the season begins, I think that goes up. He should beat out Jeremy Hill who has struggled in recent years. With Mixon’s size and speed, he will be able to make a difference in this next game and should be used correctly with Giovanni Bernard.
The Bengals then selected Jordan Willis out of Kansas St. in the third round and Carl Lawson in the fourth. Both are solid defensive end prospects who should help the team get to the quarterback. They can both earn some decent playing time and help users create a nasty defensive front.
As we approach the Madden 18 release date, I wanted to break down some teams that had solid drafts in speciality positions that could transition to immediate success on the game. All of the guys listed should provide a boost to a teams ability and I hope that you take advantage.
But, now is the time to get ready and prepare to be a dominant Madden 18 player. Be better than your friends, family or anyone online. Become a Madden School Unlimited Member before the release of Madden 18 in August. Unlimited members receive special perks including instant access to all of our professionally developed E-Books.