Madden 12 Player Ratings: 5 Impact Rookies Guaranteed to Anchor Franchises

The anticipation for the newest version of virtual football is starting to build, as Madden NFL 12 is set to release on Tuesday, August 30, 2011.

While some buyers are interested in actually playing football games—a novel concept, I know—the vast majority of Madden players get the game to engage in the ever-stimulating franchise mode. Every football fan loves playing armchair GM, and this feature gives us all that opportunity.

Of course, one of the best parts about building a franchise is the progression of your young players. They'll make or break how good your team is down the road.

Here are five rookies on Madden NFL 12 that will take your franchise to the next level.

QB Cameron Newton, Carolina Panthers

Madden Ratings: 77 Overall, 83 Speed, 94 Acceleration, 97 Throw Power, 81 Throw Accuracy

He's not the next Michael Vick speed-wise, but Cam Newton will give you plenty of options as a rookie quarterback. 

His 83 speed and 94 acceleration gives him the get-up-and-go to scramble out of the pocket, which can be a lifesaver at times when your offensive line is getting manhandled. 

His arm is also a plus, as you'll have no problems throwing the ball deep with 97 throwing power. The accuracy is lower than you'd like (81), but it should improve if he plays well.

Five years down the line, it'd be easy to forecast Newton being in the 90's overall. At that point, you have your franchise quarterback.  

WR Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons

Madden Ratings: 78 Overall, 94 Speed, 96 Jump, 83 Catch, 95 Agility, 92 Spectacular Catch, 85 Catch in Traffic

Surprised the wide receiver picked wasn't A.J. Green? Don't be. Julio Jones was made for domination in Madden football. 

His speed is his main asset, which is five points higher than Green's. Jones is also a tremendous jumper and can catch the ball in traffic, two important aspects of playing virtual football. 

No matter which offense you put him in, Jones has the ability to be a No. 1 Madden receiver. If you give him the looks he deserves early in his career, you have a star in the making. Jones won't disappoint. 

CB Patrick Peterson, Arizona Cardinals

Madden ratings: 82 Overall, 97 Speed, 93 Acceleration, 93 Jump, 89 Man Coverage, 90 Press

There's no doubt about it: Patrick Peterson is going to be fun to play with in Madden NFL 12. 

Not only is he a burner at the cornerback position, but Peterson has the ability to return both punts and kicks, giving him an exciting array of Madden talents.

He's also going to be a shutdown cornerback early on in his career. In an age of throw-every-down-you-have-the-ball, that can be an underrated aspect to your franchise.

Peterson might be the first 2011 rookie you see crack the 90's in overall rating. He'll be in the Asomugha-Revis discussion, at least Madden-wise, in a short order. 

DE/DT Marcel Dareus, Buffalo Bills

Madden ratings: 82 Overall, 92 Strength, 87 Tackle, 90 Hit Power, 86 Pursuit

Anyone that plays Madden religiously knows that a good defensive tackle can wreck havoc on your offense in several different ways.

Dareus is that kind of player as a rookie. 

First, they are almost impossible to block in the running game. Players like Dareus are good for two to three tackles for losses per game, easy.

But they can also be a problem in the passing game, especially if they are good rushers like Dareus. Pressure up the middle in the easiest way to sack an opposing team's offense.   

OT Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys

Madden ratings: 77 Overall, 85 Acceleration, 84 Run Block, 86 Pass Block, 88 Impact Block, 86 Run Block Footwork, 90 Pass Block Footwork

Just like you need impact pass-rushers like Dareus on your defense, you need guys like Tyron Smith on the other side of the ball to block those guys. 

Smith is the second best rookie offensive lineman, behind Miami's Maurkice Pouncey.

However, Smith looks like he has more upside than his fellow first-year blocker. For one, he's a terrific athlete, which will help keep speed rushers off your quarterback's tail. But Smith also has high ratings in all the main blocking categories.

That should allow him to progress quickly as the years go on. He's a safe bet to be in the 90's two to three years into your franchise.