Highlights
Top rookies in Madden NFL 24 include Bijan Robinson, Jalen Carter, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Bijan Robinson, chosen first overall, boasts a remarkable 81 overall rating, indicating his prowess as a running back. Jalen Carter and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, with their impressive ratings, are also anticipated to make a significant splash in Madden NFL 24.
The latest installment of the Madden series introduces a fresh batch of rookies, all of whom are given a grade based on their performance in the National Football League despite having no actual playing experience. This is not an easy task, and it often goes unnoticed as many gamers and football fans scrutinize every minute detail, knowing that early biases can greatly influence opinions until the players showcase their skills on the field during the regular season's first week.
The NFL Draft in April provided a glimpse into the future of all 32 franchises. While every player has the potential to excel, there were some who garnered more attention and praise than others during their college careers. Madden NFL 24 has ranked these rookies accordingly, presenting the top ten newcomers in the new EA football game:
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons (81 overall)
Jalen Carter, DT, Philadelphia Eagles (79 overall)
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks (78 overall)
Devon Witherspoon, CB, Seattle Seahawks (78 overall)
Will Anderson Jr., DE, Houston Texans (78 overall)
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions (77 overall)
Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Arizona Cardinals (77 overall)
Christian Gonzalez, CB, New England Patriots (77 overall)
Peter Skoronski, OG, Tennessee Titans (76 overall)
Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Washington Commanders (76 overall)
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons (81 overall)
Jalen Carter, DT, Philadelphia Eagles (79 overall)
In an unexpected turn, the highly anticipated number one pick from Alabama, Bryce Young, has slipped out of the top 10 with a rating of 74, although he still holds the highest rating among all quarterbacks. Surprisingly, the Atlanta Falcons selected the top player, running back Bijan Robinson, as the eighth overall pick, bestowing him with a respectable 81 overall rating from EA. This comes as no surprise, considering his esteemed reputation as the finest offensive prospect in college football at Texas. Additionally, Madden acknowledges the significant impact that running backs have in the game.
Despite a few off-field setbacks, Jalen Carter emerged as one of the most promising talents in the NFL Draft. Madden NFL 24 ratings focus solely on a player's performance on a weekly basis, and it's evident that Carter commanded the defensive line with his exceptional skills in college. As he joins the Philadelphia Eagles, there's no doubt that he will make a significant impact as a rookie in Madden.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks (78 overall)
Devon Witherspoon, CB, Seattle Seahawks (78 overall)
The recipient of Seattle Seahawks' second first-round pick and widely regarded as the most accomplished pass catcher in college football in recent years, Jaxon Smith-Njigba's remarkable ability to securely catch the ball and navigate intricate routes, as demonstrated during the illustrious 2022 Rose Bowl where he amassed a staggering 347 yards, undoubtedly solidifies his position as an instantly impactful wide receiver in Madden NFL 24.
Chosen as the fifth overall pick by the Seattle Seahawks, Devon Witherspoon's exceptional instincts and remarkable toughness for a player of his stature quickly caught everyone's attention. In Madden NFL 24, his impressive acceleration and agility will pose a significant challenge for even the most accomplished receivers.
Will Anderson Jr., DE, Houston Texans (78 overall)
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions (77 overall)
Will Anderson Jr is already proving himself as an exceptional player on the struggling Houston Texans team, and he holds immense potential to become a worthy successor to NFL franchise legend JJ Watt. Among the 2023 NFL Draft picks, he was chosen as the third overall, with only a few doubting his ability to be selected outside of the top 5. Remarkably, he is the sole edge rusher in the top 10, boasting a well-deserved 78 rating in Madden NFL 24. Additionally, CJ Stroud, the talented quarterback selected in the first round, narrowly missed securing a spot in the top 10, receiving an overall rating of 73.
Jahmyr Gibbs, picked unexpectedly at 12th overall by the Detroit Lions, has exceeded expectations in the eyes of EA, contrary to public opinion. In Madden, his rookie rating of 77 overall is considered commendable, with an impressive speed rating of 94. His exceptional skills will prove invaluable when facing off against formidable opponents in the NFC North and beyond. Undeniably, Gibbs stands out as one of the brightest talents in the Alabama Crimson Tide, a team brimming with exceptional players.
Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Arizona Cardinals (77 overall)
The Arizona Cardinals need all the support they can secure in 2023, and following several draft night transactions, they secured Paris Johnson Jr. with the sixth overall selection. His Madden NFL 24 rating is unmatched among all rookie offensive linemen, providing stability to an offense that is fraught with uncertainty as they approach the NFL regular season.
Christian Gonzalez, CB, New England Patriots (77 overall)
At the halfway mark of the initial round, the New England Patriots made a selection and picked Christian Gonzalez, who possesses remarkable ratings of 93 in both speed and acceleration. His overall score of 77 falls only one point short of the impressive debut of Devon Witherspoon, the rookie cornerback of the Seahawks. These two promising players have the potential to become top-tier cornerbacks, not only in Madden but also in reality. Only time will tell how EA football game enthusiasts will appreciate Gonzalez's abundance of talent.
Peter Skoronski, OG, Tennessee Titans (76 overall)
The Tennessee Titans took a chance on Kentucky QB Will Levis in the early second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, making him their first selection. However, it is their second pick, Peter Skoronski, who stands out as one of the top 10 rookies in Madden NFL 24. Skoronski is a versatile offensive lineman with impressive strength and acceleration. Whether he plays at guard or tackle, he provides reassurance to the team, knowing that the quarterback is well-protected.
Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Washington Commanders (76 overall)
Emmanuel Forbes was drafted just ahead of Christian Gonzalez, and his exceptional performance at Mississippi State highlighted by his sharp instincts and remarkable physique, has established him as a highly-regarded cornerback prospect. He concludes the elite group of the top 10 rookies in Madden NFL 24, comprising an impressive roster of athletes who will undoubtedly assist players in securing ultimate bragging rights within the EA game.
Madden NFL 24 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.