2007 NFL Draft Breakdown

Every year, a few weeks before the NFL season kicks off, EA Sports gives us its latest edition of the annual best selling franchise, Madden NFL. When Madden NFL 09 releases this year, it will include all of the new rookies drafted. In 07 we saw the impact of Reggie Bush and Vince Young (the next Michael Vick?). In 08 we saw Adrian Peterson become an instant star. This year's draft class proves to hold a lot of talent as well, and some of these guys will be instant difference makers in Madden NFL 09.

Below are the players drafted, my own Mel Kiper Jr. style analysis, and the player's potential impact on his virtual team in Madden NFL 09.

#1 - Jake Long, OT - Miami Dolphins
In Madden it all comes down to quarterback play, and there are few things more frustrating than when your line can't stack up against the defense's blitz. The Miami Dolphins have a lot of holes to fill on the team, and it's apparent that Ted Ginn Jr. wasn't an instant difference maker a year ago, so they opted to shore up the offensive line. Jake Long is not as polished as Joe Thomas a year ago for Cleveland, but he is a great athlete and was a stand out at the University of Michigan. Long's impact on the Dolphins and on Madden players utilizing this team will be to give additional protection to the quarterback, allowing gamers to find the open receiver down field. Also, Ronnie Brown and, dare I say, Ricky Williams should see added success on the ground. While Jake Long isn't a flashy pick, and he certainly doesn't fix all of the problems with the Miami Dolphins, this is the first pick toward a rebuilding season.
Impact Rating: 6/10

#2 - Chris Long, DE - St. Louis Rams
Son of Hall of Famer Howie Long (star of Firestorm for all those Sunday afternoon B-movie watchers), Chris Long is as talented as any player in the draft and deserved the number two draft pick. The Rams defense was horrendous in 2007 and in Madden 08 and the team certainly needed a boost. As many Madden players like to play the defensive end and go for the sack, someone with Long's speed and measureables will be a lot of fun to play with. Long is only one piece to the puzzle for St. Louis and his impact will be tough to detect due to the state of the rest of the defensive line, he may face double teams as Mario Williams did for the Texans a few years ago, reducing his overall impact. Long's impression on the Rams will be felt more on Sundays than it will be in Madden 09.
Impact Rating: 5/10


#3 - Matt Ryan, QB - Atlanta Falcons
Since losing Michael Vick to prison, the Falcons have gone from the most popular team in Madden circles to the untouchables cast. The loss of Vick has exposed just how poor his supporting cast has been all these years, on both sides of the football. Jerious Norwood is dynamic coming out of the backfield, and is a lot of fun in Madden 08, but the team is effectively without a strong signal caller. Matt Ryan emerged as the clear No. 1 quarterback in the draft and for the Falcons it was a no-brainer to take him, much to the disappointment of the Baltimore Ravens. Ryan will struggle as a rookie, as all quarterbacks do (Ben Roethlisberger aside), but will give Falcons users a serviceable player to grow, especially for franchise mode. As a rookie, Ryan will struggle to make an impact for the team, but he has the type of skills necessary for the team to regain credibility in the league and in Madden. While Madden 09 won't be huge for Ryan, look out Madden 2011!
Impact Rating: 6/10