Madden 12: The 50 Most Dynamic Players of This Year's Edition

John Madden Football.

Was that enough to grab your attention? The 2012 version of EA Sports Madden Football was released on Tuesday and it features Browns running back Peyton Hillis on the cover.

Players usually clamor for a chance to have their likeness featured on the cover of Madden as it’s synonymous with a player’s stature in the NFL. 

There is also a curse with being on the cover of Madden—just ask Michael Vick and Troy Polamalu.

But we aren’t here to talk about cover athletes and a curse; we’re here to talk about the players featured in the game.

It’s important that players are featured in the correct light. An example is the player’s speed or quickness. In 2009 when Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall found out that he suffered a 25-point drop from 2008 to 2009, he showed his anger by voicing his concerns to the press.

It’s that important.

Here’s my attempt to name the 50 most dynamic players on Madden 2012.

P.S. If any player or fan takes offense please know that my home is surrounded by sharks and crocodiles.

Darrelle Revis, CB, Jets

Revis has the coveted “99” rating on Madden this season. There are no perfect players in the land of John Madden football so the ranking of “99” will have to suffice.

Revis is a beast of a cornerback and gives new life to the phrase “no man is an island.” We’ll see if Darrelle is able to live up to being ranked so high in 2011 but as of right now, he’s one of the most dynamic players in this year’s version of Madden football.

Tom Brady, QB, Patriots

Another “99er” to make the list is Tom Brady. He’s dynamic on the real NFL field but I’m not usually one to play with the Patriots on Madden.

I strap it up with the Cowboys on most occasions but if I’m looking for a change of scenery, so to speak, I don’t usually reach for Brady’s bunch.

Regardless of that, I will try to trade for Brady if I’m starting a franchise with the Bengals or Redskins. Because, well, he’s just that dynamic.

Chris Johnson, RB, Titans

Johnson is rated a healthy 96 on Madden with a speed rating of 99 and 98 juke. How in the heck is it possible to tackle a player so elusive?

It's fun to play with CJ2K on Madden and the 2012 version should be even better.

Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings

Peterson is a beast on the real and virtual football field. My man has great vision and a 99 rating on Madden, with a mean stiff arm and great acceleration. All are great attributes to have in the world of Madden.

Peterson’s Vikings may not be as dynamic to watch this season but playing with AD should be tons of fun.

Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals

You know Fitz by his dreds and signature face mask. But we also know him by his glue-like hands and amazing ability to make impossible catches.

Not sure how many people will pick the Cardinals to play with this season but you may want to think twice before you pass by Arizona on the Madden team scroll. The Kevin Kolb era has officially started out in AZ.

James Harrison, LB, Steelers

Harrison has his guns in real life and his fake ones in the virtual world of Madden. The hit man is rated 98 on Madden this year and while he may not make you quiver looking across at him from the line of scrimmage, he probably makes that virtual quarterback shake.

Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers

Rivers plays like a man possessed at times and with an awareness rating of 94, he has the focus to weave the ball into the tightest situations.

He’s not the fastest guy on the field but when a comeback is needed, Rivers is the one to call on.

Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs

Amongst my friends, the Chiefs aren’t usually mentioned as a team anyone is dying to play with when Madden comes out.

That may soon change as Kansas City develops a team full of playmakers led by running back Jamaal Charles. He’s a 95 on Madden with a speed rating of 98. If speed could kill, Charles and CJ2K would be on the run from the law.

Julius Peppers, DE, Bears

Remember back in the day when you could pick a team with a fast defensive end, split him way out on the edge, and then speed-rush the quarterback and get about six or seven sacks a game?

Those were the good ol' days. Now Madden has changed it up to make the game more realistic it’s a little tougher to gain sacks now.

But Peppers has a speed rating of 85 and he’s still one of the league’s best at speed-rushing the passer.

Justin Tuck, DE, Giants

Here’s another player who can speed-rush the passer. Tuck has a great mix of speed and power to bum rush the quarterback on Madden.

He’ll wreck shop against the NFC East on Madden 2012 and with weak offensive lines to go around in that division, one would be well served to pick Tuck and tee off.

Peyton Manning, QB, Colts

Whenever I play with Manning on Madden, I always to try to mimic what he does in real life. That usually gets me in trouble because he’ll end up on the ground or an interception is thrown because I’m trying to get the ball out of his hands quickly.

But he’s still fun to play with especially when I’m throwing fake audibles at the line.

Michael Vick, QB, Eagles

Another Madden memory: Whenever I would play against a friend of mine when Vick played for Atlanta, he would get the Falcons just to run around with Vick.

Of course, I would have to spy him and maybe blitz him to force him to pass or keep him in the backfield, but you get the picture.

Vick may still have that use for some Madden players but I’m curious to see if Vick’s arm is used more than his legs in 2012.

Still—it’ll be exciting to MV7 go to work on Madden again as a top-tier player.

Troy Polamalu, S, Steelers

The Head and Shoulders guy is exciting because of the way he plays on the real football field. Troy’s hair and his hard-hitting, high-flying style is what attracts many players to him on Madden.

I’m not one to play the safety position but if I did choose to do so, it would be with TP43. Like that new nickname?

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers

I was close to saying that any Super Bowl quarterback on Madden is exciting to play with but then I thought about Trent Dilfer and Eli Manning.

No disrespect.

But Rodgers has a little speed and I stand to think that he’s on the MVP cusp. It's easier to earn that nod on Madden and that’s probably where he’ll get it first.

Devin Hester, KR/PR, Bears

If he’s not the starting punt returner for the Bears, you put him there. If he’s not the starting wide receiver for the Bears, you put him there. If he’s not the starting kick returner for the Bears, you put him there.

Get the picture now?

Hester is just that good and you want the ball in his hands as much as possible.

Ndamukong Suh, DL, Lions

Suh’s reputation seems to precede him but homeboy is the real deal. His tough-guy nature is the truth and playing with the mean old Lion in Madden in the middle is where I’ll choose to stay.

Well, that’s if I ever decide to play with Detroit.

Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions

Another Lions player makes this list. Johnson has speed of 95 and a 97 spectacular catch rating on Madden.

He’s great for red-zone lobs or sideline grabs but he’s even better to just play pitch-and-catch with on Madden. Megatron is his name and transforming in midair is his game.

DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles

Jackson made the list of 50 most exciting NFL players a couple of days ago and he’s back on a 50 list again today.

Jackson truly believes he’s in the same league as Larry Fitzgerald but we’ll let him live in that fantasy world which just so happens to be Madden.

The little big guy is tough and fast with a good set of hands—all great qualities to have on Madden.

DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers

A fast guy coming off of an injury-plagued 2010 season will look to get back to his 2008 form when he rushed for 1,500 yards.

That’s pretty easy to do on Madden and with Cam Newton and Steve Smith by his side, he should return to form…on Madden.

Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys

Dirty Dez Bryant is emerging and with Romo tossing balls to him on Madden, he should remain as one of the most exciting players on the video game.

He’s like a little Megatron mixed in with Cirque Du Soleil.

Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars

The rolling ball of butcher knives is great to play with on Madden either in the open field or on goal-line situations.

He’s one of the five highest-rated running backs on Madden, 95, with a trucking rating of 89. 'Nuff said.

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers

Big Ben is fun to play with in the snow or when it's 30 degrees on Madden.

For me, he embodies the Steeler spirit but he also has a great arm and an amazing amount of toughness.

Mike Wallace, WR, Steelers

The Steelers are a fun bunch to strap it up with on Madden. Mike Wallace makes it even better due to his speed and ability to catch the deep ball.

He’s even fast enough to return a few kicks and punts if you’re not afraid of injury.

Percy Harvin, WR, Vikings

Harvin plays with Adrian Peterson and Donovan McNabb. He’s fast and strong and can catch a few good passes for you as well.

Donovan F. isn’t the same player from Philly but he’s good enough to pitch Percy the ball on Madden so that he can do his thing.

Michael Turner, RB, Falcons

Michael “The Burner” Turner is as dynamic as they come. He’s fast and strong and pairing him with quarterback Matt Ryan may lead you to a Madden Super Bowl.

The Falcons are an exciting team to play with and Turner flying past a linebacker around the corner is a fun thing to watch.

Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys

Romo is back and should be better than ever. He’s athletic and efficient and can get away from some of the best pass-rushers in the league.

Romo can also throw the ball deep and roll out to toss a five-yarder to tight end Jason Witten for a 1st down. Exciting and energetic and fun to play with.

Peyton Hillis, RB, Browns

Couldn’t leave the cover athlete off the list. He’s a human bulldozer and if you choose to play with the Browns, allowing Hillis to lead the way to victory is probably your best bet.

Drew Brees, QB, Saints

Brees can chuck it deep and throw it wide. It seems like he winds his arm up to throw the ball but when it comes out, it’s a thing of beauty.

Brees and the Saints are a fun bunch to play with and slinging the ball with Brees is invigorating.

Jared Allen, DE, Vikings

Allen has a 94 ranking on Madden with a 95 in power moves and 93 stamina.

That makes for a great combination when trying to sack the quarterback and he’s a master of it on Madden.

Vince Young, QB, Eagles

Tell me that you won’t experiment with playing Young and Vick on Madden. Tell me that you aren’t thinking of using Vick in the Wild Cat and maybe Young on 3rd down.

If you aren’t, then maybe you should because having two exciting quarterbacks on the roster is enough to make your virtual head explode.

Oh—and Vince Young is great enough to stand on his own on Madden.

DeMarcus Ware, LB, Cowboys

Ware led the lead with 15 sacks in 2010 and he’s one of the most popular defensive players on Madden. He has a 98 rating with the combination of 99 power moves and 99 pursuit.

He’s good to put it in plain terms and having him to rush off the edge is a great advantage to have.

Frank Gore, RB, 49ers

Need a 1st down on short yardage? Call on Gore. How about a HD Dive for five or six yards? Gore is your man.

San Francisco may not be the best team to play with but with Gore on your side, they may be worth the pick.

Brandon Marshall, WR, Dolphins

He’s dynamic because of his ability but with Chad Henne and a shaky Dolphins quarterback situation, I’m not sure how Marshall will play out on Madden.

He’s big and strong with a great set of hands in real life and on Madden.

Steven Jackson RB, Rams

Another top-five player to make the list is Jackson. He’s rated as a 94 with a 96 stiff arm and 86 strength.

Jackson is a great player on Madden and in the rough-and-tough NFC West he may be able to lead the Rams back to greatness all by his lonesome.

Ray Rice, RB, Ravens

The rolling ball of butcher knives squared would be Rice. If I choose to play with the Ravens, Rice will get 30 carries and Flacco would pass about 15 times.

Not the smartest decision on my part but he’s that good on the real and virtual football field.

Jay Cutler, QB, Bears

Not the biggest fan of Cutler but he can sling it and he has amazing arm strength.

If he only had better wide receivers it would be better to play with him, but due to his penchant for relying too heavily on his arm strength, I like to partake in a game of interceptions and ill-advised passes with Jay.

Marques Colston, WR, Saints

He’s 6’4” and big and strong. You’ll need his height when you’re trying to get Drew to throw a 50-yard bomb down the field.

Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants

Nicks is emerging and with wide receiver Steve Smith out of his way, he should be quarterback Eli Manning’s favorite target.

He had 1,052 yards receiving last season and should have an even better 2011.

In the virtual world of John Madden Football, he’s exciting to play with when the ball is in his hands.

Josh Cribbs, KR/PR, Browns

Not sure how Cleveland plans to use him in 2011, but I would try him out at every offensive position possible on Madden. 

Well, maybe not offensive line, but you get the picture.

His game is diverse and when the ball is in his hands things just seem to go right.

Roddy White, WR, Falcons

He’s 6'0" tall with a great set of hands and he plays with Matty Ice in Atlanta.

I like this Atlanta team on Madden and playing pitch-and-catch with Ryan and White should be much fun.

Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons

Sticking with the Falcons here because of the offensive dynamic that they having going. On Madden, it all comes together with Matt Ryan, Roddy White and Michael Turner.

Ryan can manage the game with Turner or turn it into an air show with White. Pick your poison and don’t get it twisted in thinking that Ryan won’t do work on the virtual field.

Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys

Jones has speed and quickness and if he finds a seam or a hole then it’s to the house.

He’s exciting to get on the stick with and with Jones' ability to run and catch the ball, he should take the Cowboys far in the world of Madden.

Andre Johnson, WR, Texans

The Texans receiver is fun to play with but I’m not so sure about the Texans. Could be my Cowboys bias but I have no desire to play with that team from Houston.

But Johnson has a rating of 97 with route-running coming in at 95. If you can’t do work with Johnson, then you need to put the stick down son.

Patrick Willis, LB, 49ers

Willis is another menacing force in the middle of the field. He's big and strong and rated pretty high on Madden—a 98. He's one of the few bright spots for a growing Niners team that will be a project if you're looking to start a franchise on Madden 2012.

Josh Freeman, QB, Bucs

Josh is one of the reasons I'll play with the Bay on Madden. He grew by leaps and bounds from 2009 to 2010 and that growth should continue in 2011.

He's big, has a nice arm and he's fun to play with on Madden.

Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders

Run-DMC is starting to come along but he just needs to stay healthy. I've always been a fan of the Raiders on Madden and playing with McFadden is one of the reasons why.

He's fast and strong but that durability needs to improve.

Vincent Jackson, WR, Chargers

Here's why I say Jackson: He's tall and can get physical. When I need a deep ball, I would call on Jackson and I love to throw high and long on Madden.

Brian Orakpo, LB, Redskins

Orakpo will be a household name in the next year or two. He's becoming a sack master and when playing with him on Madden, you can make the opposing quarterback's life miserable.

Mario Williams, LB/DE, Texans

He's playing the linebacker position this season under Texans new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips so it will be interesting to see how he adapts.

But he's good for at least eight sacks and having a skilled rusher on your side on Madden is a great thing to have.

Reggie Bush, RB, Dolphins

I'm still a fan of Mr. Bush and I believe that he'll do well in Miami. He's not an every-down back but he can do enough damage in situational plays to leave a mark for the Dolphins.

Smart to play with him rotationally on Madden but he has enough speed and elusiveness to make the most skilled tackler look silly.