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 08 releases this year, it include all of the new rookies drafted. In 07 we saw the impact of Reggie Bush and Vince Young (the next Michael Vick?), and many others. 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 08.

Below are the players drafted, my own Mel Kiper Jr. style analysis, and the player's potential impact on its virtual team in Madden NFL 08.

#1 - JaMarcus Russell - Oakland Raiders
The top QB prospect goes to a team that needed a franchise QB. As much as they wanted Calvin Johnson, they need someone under center, and franchise QBs are too important to pass up.

Impact: The Raiders have gone 6-26 over the last two seasons and they just lost Randy Moss due to character issues (since when do the Raiders care about character?). Receivers have been quitting on routes and quarterback play has been pathetic. While the skill positions have struggled, the main issue has been a poor offensive line. However, Russell is an instant improvement at quarterback, simply because he is big enough to take some hits. Most important will be his ability to get the ball downfield, throwing up 70 yard bombs that had Randy Moss written all over them, that is until they traded away the five-time Pro Bowl receiver for a fourth round pick. The Raiders do get some play within the Madden community and will be noticeably better this coming season with Russell at the helm, but they're still a long way off becoming a premier franchise in the NFL or in the Madden circuit. Expect Russell to have one of the 2-3 strongest arms in Madden NFL 08. Hello hail mary!
Impact Rating: 8/10

#2 - Calvin Johnson - Detroit Lions
A freak, with great size, a 4.35 40-yd dash and a 43" vertical leap. Some are calling him the best NFL prospect ever, which may be a reach after all the Reggie Bush hype last year, but there is no denying this kid's ability or work ethic.

Impact: While a lot of Lions fans (I live in Michigan, I have to hear about this pathetic team on the radio all the time) wanted Brady Quinn at the second selection, or for the Lions to trade down, Calvin Johnson is the best athlete in the draft, and will do a lot to improve the team in Madden NFL 08. Johnson has ridiculous skill and with Roy Williams at the other receiver position, gamers now have two great weapons in the passing game. The Lions defense will be better this year, their special teams have always been decent, and with a receiver like Johnson and a stronger offensive line, the Lions may find some use in Madden NFL 08. Expect some gamers to use Johnson as a return specialist, much like Canadian champion Kris Newman did with the Bengals WR Chad Johnson to earn his spot in the Madden Challenge Finals in Hawaii.
Impact Rating: 9/10