Madden 12: Ranking the 4 Best Rookies in the Game

The most obvious year-to-year change in the Madden series is the same most obvious year-to-year change in the NFL.

The players!

The excitement surrounding NFL rookies is generally at its peak before you even gain a glance of them in action. Madden tends to calm this excitement. In recent years, it hasn't been too generous to rookies in its rating system.

Nonetheless, some players still manage to make waves early on. Here are the Top Four rookies in Madden 12.

4. AJ Green

Madden is probably the only place that AJ Green is going to have much success during his rookie season.

Green obviously has a lot of talent, but will be limited by relying on a fellow rookie to throw him the football in Andy Dalton.

The Bengals' top pick has all the physical attributes to be an elite receiver, but does need time to develop in certain areas. Nonetheless, his large frame and great speed—89 speed, 90 acceleration and 94 agility—will cause matchup problems for even the best of cornerbacks.

However, he may need to make an impact like Calvin Johnson in Cincinnati to prevent this offense from being the worst in the league.

3. Prince Amukamara

New York Giants fans likely won't see Prince Amukamara until after a spell on the PUP list, but they can instantly make use of him and his incredible coverage skills in Madden 12.

Amukamara's overall rating of 81 would be amazing by any other standards for a rookie cornerback, except that he is eclipsed by Patrick Peterson.

The funny thing about Amukamara is that his most notable statistic is the one that is restricting him. He has 58 in awareness, while all of his physical measurements and technical abilities are in the 80s and 90s.

That 58 won't be a long-term problem, as awareness quickly rises in Madden as players develop. However, it will probably cause him to be an unreliable rookie.

2. Marcell Dareus

Dareus finishes up with an 82 overall rating for the coming Madden season.

He will definitely be a long-term project for any Bills fans or players looking for a challenge in their franchises with Buffalo.

However, he and Kyle Williams could dominate the interior during his rookie season. His 87 in tackling, 92 in strength and 78 acceleration will see him be a force as opposing centers and guards try to keep him out of the backfield!

1. Patrick Peterson

Peterson is so good on the new Madden that he made the Top Four of my list of players to build your franchise around.

At 21 years of age, he will quickly develop from his overall of 82 into an elite cornerback.

What makes Peterson special is his speed of 97 and agility of 96. Those two attributes will allow him to jump routes and come up with vital turnovers while not being exposed down the field.

His man coverage is already an 89, while his zone coverage is a more than respectable 82. Once Peterson's awareness develops, a common issue with players on Madden that haven't reached their potential yet, he will have a chance at becoming the best cornerback in the game.

At 82, he will be a respectable corner from the off, but anyone choosing the Arizona Cardinals won't be looking to win during it all during their first season. He is definitely one for the long-term franchise mode fanatics.