Madden 17: Release Date and Connected Franchise Fantasy Draft Strategies

If you don't like the hand you're dealt, just redeal the hand. That's what gamers can do in Madden NFL 17 as they embark on a new Franchise Mode.

Less than a week remains until the game hits store shelves. Those who have EA Access, however, can start playing Madden 17 already:

Gaming Systems	Release Date (EA Access)	Release Date (Wide Release)	Price
PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One	Thursday, Aug. 18	Tuesday, Aug. 23	$59.99

As with past editions, users can go one of two ways when they start their Franchise Mode: They can either stick with the current rosters, or they can hit the reset button with a fantasy draft.

For those who prefer the latter route, keep the following four tenets in mind when building a team from the ground up.

Build for the Present and Future

Frank Victores/Associated Press/Associated Press

Part of the allure of a fantasy draft—especially for fans of the worst teams in the league—is the ability to start an entire team over from scratch. The goal is always to create the best roster possible, but be careful not to load up on just aging veterans who are in their prime.

Older players aren't going to see their ratings climb much—if they improve at all. You don't want to have to overhaul the roster only a few years into your Franchise Mode.

As a result, it's a good idea to sacrifice current talent for future potential with a few of your early draft picks. Teddy Bridgewater is tied for the 22nd-highest rating among quarterbacks at Madden 17's launch, but he's only 23 years old. In a few years, he could be one of the top QBs in your Franchise Mode.

Selecting a young QB in particular would be a smart strategy since the likes of Bridgewater, Derek Carr, Jameis Winston and Blake Bortles will be available later in the draft. That allows you to focus on a different position while the CPU makes a run at QB.

Be Aware of a Player's Traits

Ryan Kang/Associated Press/Associated Press

Madden senior designer John White explained some of what plays into player progression in Franchise Mode:

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Each player’s development trait is the biggest defining factor in how he develops.  Players with a Superstar trait will stay in the league longer and develop into the top tier talent, while players with the Slow trait will not make it in the league long.  You will now be able to see it quickly on the Player Card with prominent placement and a new icon.

"

A young player may seemingly have a lot of room to grow but doesn't improve early on because his traits are holding him back. It wouldn't be the end of the world, but you'll want to know when you draft a player what kind of career arc he might have.

Players who lack the Superstar trait aren't doomed to fail in Madden. White explained players can attain better development traits if they're delivering unexpectedly good returns on the field.

But going after players who already have the Superstar trait will allow your team to get better at a more rapid pace in your first couple of seasons in Franchise Mode.

Knock Out the Vital Positions Early

Patrick Semansky/Associated Press/Associated Press

A fantasy draft in Madden operates largely how one would expect in the real world. The most important positions on the field are going to be prioritized early.

That means you can't wait too long to take care of your starting quarterback, left tackle, cornerback, wideout and free safety. The best pass-rushers will be off the board in the first few rounds as well, and the more athletic tight ends will go much higher than the guys who don't offer much value in the passing game.

Drafting elite players in every one of those areas is impossible unless you're controlling all 32 teams.

If you wind up missing out on one of the top-rated players at a key position, look instead at a player who has a high ceiling.

Similarly, don't reach too high for a highly rated star at a less than essential position. Baltimore's Marshal Yanda has a 97 overall rating, but since he plays right guard, he's not somebody you want to take with one of your early picks.

Identify a Style of Play for Your Team

Tony Avelar/Associated Press/Associated Press

You don't want to come out of the draft with a bunch of pieces that don't fit together. Have defined offensive and defensive strategies in mind as you approach the draft.

For a run-heavy offense, you want a talented running back and a good offensive line. The quarterbacks and wideouts would be less of a concern, and you wouldn't need to spend an early pick on an elite left tackle. Conversely, the running back and two guards would be less of a concern if you're going to focus on the passing game.

On defense, knowing if you plan to use a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme will be extremely helpful. In the 4-3, a right defensive end will be your primary pass-rusher, whereas the outside linebackers are the more effective pass-rushers in a 3-4.

Whatever game plan you envision utilizing with your roster, make sure you draft players who fit into the scheme.

Note: Player ratings are courtesy of EASports.com.