Madden 16: Rookies That Will See Biggest Leap in NFL Player Ratings

Melvin Gordon's initial rookie rating is just 78 overall, but that will rise over the course of the season. The rookie is listed as the starting running back for the San Diego Chargers, according to Ourlads.com, so he will have the opportunity to impress early on.

Chargers running back coach Ollie Wilson was impressed with Gordon back in June, per ESPN.com's Eric D. Williams. Wilson said:

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He studies and he’s smart. When you give him something, you know that you’re on to the next thing. Usually with rookies it takes a little while to get it done. Now, he’s still working through some of the protection stuff. But for the most part, when we give him something, he’s pretty much got it. So that’s going to help him stay on the field.

"

San Diego had a hard time finding a consistent running game in 2014. Branden Oliver led the team in rushing with just 582 yards. Gordon will get every opportunity to blow past that number. If he stays healthy, he has the speed and power combination to do just that.

The St. Louis Rams' Todd Gurley is the highest-rated rookie running back at 80 overall, but he'll have to wrestle carries away from Tre Mason. Gordon will be in a better situation to get carries early on.

Vic Beasley

The Atlanta Falcons have been searching for a legitimate pass-rusher since John Abraham left the team after the 2012 season. Outside linebacker Vic Beasley looks like he's primed to be the impact pass-rusher the team has needed. He'll begin his Madden journey rated 77 overall, but if he can get to the quarterback a few times within the first three weeks of the season, he'll see his rating increase.

During that time, the Falcons won't be facing teams that struggled to protect the quarterback in 2014. Three NFC East teams await in the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys. Each was ranked in the top 16 when it came to protecting the quarterback last season.

If Beasley can put up numbers against those three teams, it should impress the folks at EA Sports who update player ratings.

Ereck Flowers

Offensive linemen don't get a lot of attention, but they are obviously important to a team's success. The Giants will welcome massive rookie offensive lineman Ereck Flowers to their line this season, and he will play a major role as likely starter at left tackle.

Flowers has a 76 overall rating, but playing on a successful unit like New York's should be helpful for his short-term development. Playing alongside veterans like Justin Pugh and Marshall Newhouse, Flowers will have the support he needs.

At 6'6" and 329 pounds, Flowers has the size to match up in the NFL. Per Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, he should instantly be a plus to the Giants' run-blocking efforts, though his pass blocking might take longer to develop.

If the Giants find success running off the left side, expect Flowers' rating to go up as a result.

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Madden player ratings per EASports.com.

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