Madden 2011 Player Rankings: Projecting the Rookies' Numbers

Madden fans will have to wait till August to find out which players have the highest ranking in this year’s Madden 2011. But here at Bleacher Report we thought we would start speculating which NFL rookies will have the highest rankings this year.

Every year there is a rookie who becomes an instant fan favorite with their ability to take over the game. Which rookie will it be? Will a rookie this year break Reggie Bush’s record for the highest rookie rating in Madden history (87)?

The list starts now.

Tim Tebow, QB—70

Josh McDaniels loves Tim Tebow as a quarterback; but the Bleacher Report staff has some concerns about Timmy playing quarterback at the next level. Madden fans should get a kick out of EA Sports attempting to simulate the Florida quarterback’s throwing motion.

Jacoby Ford, WR—78

Jacoby Ford doesn’t have the highest ranking out of the NFL rookies, but he will instantly become a Madden favorite because of his speed. All you need to know about Ford is that he ran a 4.28 40 yard dash at the NFL combine.

Ford will be a threat to take it to the house every time on punt, and kickoff returns.

Jason Pierre-Paul, DE—78

Jason Pierre-Paul is going to be a monster coming off the corner. The South Florida defensive end is going to be a mismatch for offensive linemen because of his combination of strength and speed.

The New York Giants felt confident enough in Pierre-Paul to take him with the 15th overall pick. The Giants feel they have the next Osi Umenyiora on their hands.

Jermaine Gresham, TE—79

Jermaine Gresham’s missed his entire final season at Oklahoma with a knee injury, but was still drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 21st overall pick. Gresham was the best tight end in this year’s draft, and will be a stud at the next level.

Look for Gresham to become one of Carson Palmer’s and Madden fan’s favorite weapons this year.

Jimmy Clausen, QB—80

Jimmy Clausen’s draft day did not go as most people expected. The Notre Dame quarterback was passed up on Day 1 and was selected with the 48th overall pick by the Carolina Panthers.

Clausen is the most NFL ready out of all the rookie quarterbacks because of playing in Charlie Weis’ pro-style offense. If first year starter Matt Moore struggles, look for Clausen to get a shot at the starting role.

Jahvid Best, RB—81

Jahvid Best was the best running back in the nation coming into last year. Unfortunately for the Best, his final season at Cal was filled with injuries which caused NFL GMs to question his durability.

The Detroit Lions selected Best with 30th overall pick. Best ran the fastest 40 yard dash of the running backs at 4.35 and is a perfect complement for former number one overall pick, Matthew Stafford.

Dez Bryant, WR—80

The Texas native was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the 24th overall pick, and has all the skills to become a Cowboy legend. The 6’2” 224lb wide receiver will quickly become a deep threat for quarterback Tony Romo.

Stopping Miles Austin should be the primary focus for defenses this year, so look for Bryant to have a huge rookie season, and put up big numbers.

C.J. Spiller, RB—82

And the award for the fan favorite rookie of the year in Madden 2011 is… C.J. Spiller!

C.J. Spiller is going to be one of the biggest homerun threats in this year’s game. At Clemson, Spiller used his speed and agility to score touchdowns in every way imaginable.

Spiller will immediately see playing time for the Bills on special teams, and could be the next Devin Hester. Madden players are foaming at the mouth thinking of the possibilities with Spiller.

Eric Berry, S—83

Eric Berry had a stellar career at Tennessee, winning the Jim Thorpe award his final year, and will have a great career in the NFL.

The 6’0” 211lb safety was taken with the fifth overall pick in the draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. That is the highest a safety has gone in the draft since the late Sean Taylor, taken 5th overall in 2004 by the Washington Redskins.

Berry has all the tools to make an immediate impact in the league. It would not be a surprise if the talented safety earns defensive rookie of the year honors.

Ndamukong Suh, DT—84

It is rare that a defensive tackle would become a Madden fan favorite. However, Ndamukong Suh will become an instant one.

The defensive tackle from Nebraska is going to be force in the trenches, and at times will take over the game. Suh finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting, and won the Lombardi award in 2009. NFL scouts could not get enough of this guy because of his strength and speed.

In the NFL, Suh will be seeing double teams right from the get go, but that is no problem considering he has been seeing double teams during his entire collegiate career.

Sam Bradford, QB—85

The number one overall pick, Sam Bradford, is going to be a great NFL quarterback, if he can stay healthy. Many believe the Oklahoma quarterback would have been the number one pick in the 2009 NFL draft if he had left.

Bradford is the ideal NFL quarterback who has the size for the position, and the passing accuracy. There is literally no pass Sam Bradford cannot throw.

The people of St. Louis finally have a franchise quarterback since the departure of Kurt Warner. Madden fans from every city will enjoy throwing all over the field with Bradford.