Late Round Draft Picks To Watch For In Madden 18

We’re all fully aware of the big name rookies making their Madden debuts in the fall. Top picks like Trubisky, Garrett, Fournette, and McCaffrey are all very interesting Madden 18 rookies. But what about some of the lesser known players drafted in the later rounds? Many times, we tend to overlook these players until they end up on the cover of Madden’s G.O.A.T. Edition (Tom Brady). That’s why we’ve decided to put together a few of the late round draft picks to watch for in Madden 18.

TE Jake Butt: RD 5 Denver Broncos

The name aside, Butt is a big and tall TE with incredible upside for a Madden TE. He had over 500 rec yards and 4 TD’s in 2016. He did so on 46 catches. Those are pretty solid numbers for a TE in the college game. Butt showed good route running skills at Michigan and that should translate his Madden rating in that category.

Also, based on some of the highlights he had in college, Butt should be rewarded with higher than average Spectacular Catch and Catch In Traffic ratings. Butt looks like he could certainly end up being a great option over the middle. Especially with Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders on the outside in Denver’s offense. Watch for Jake Butt at TE in Madden 18.

RB Tarik Cohen: RD 4 Chicago Bears

Tarik Cohen was a YouTube sensation before he even started his career at North Carolina A&T. The small RB is known for doing back flips and catching passes at the same time. Theatrics aside, Cohen is definitely a Darren Sproles style back. He has incredible playmaking ability and is tailor made for Madden. He’s not just a flashy RB, though. Cohen not only found the end zone over 18 times in 2016, but he also had 37 catches and over 300 receiving yards. Those are some incredible numbers given he only played 12 games.

Cohen was dubbed the “human joystick” due to his knack for simply making plays. Cohen should provide those of you who like to use the Bears with a threat at several positions on the depth chart including PR/KR/3DRB. You may even be able to utilize him from the slot in certain formations and situations. Cohen’s speed, elusiveness, and juke ratings should be fairly decent for a rookie drafted around his spot. Watch for Cohen in Madden 18.

WR Dede Westbrook: RD 4 Jacksonville Jaguars

Westbrook definitely had 1st round potential. With 80 catches, over 1500 receiving yards, and 17 TD’s in 2016, Westbrook showed that he could put up some big numbers catching the ball. His 4.37 40-yard dash time at the combine was quite impressive, but if you watch his highlights from the University of Oklahoma, then you’ll see why he has serious potential as an NFL WR and Madden stud.

Westbrook’s certainly a player to keep your eye on as the Madden 18 season progresses. If Jacksonville can get some production from Blake Bortles, and we see the QB’s Madden rating get back to around 80-85, then Westbrook will benefit and become a solid WR. Westbrook is certainly a WR to watch for in Madden 18 and for years to come.

RB Samaje Perine: RD 4 Washington Redskins.

For a player who spent a good bit of time backing up Joe Mixon at Oklahoma, Perine put up some impressive numbers. His 12 rushing TD’s, and 1060 yards on only 196 carries shows how unstoppable Perine is when running with the ball. Perine is a big bruising runner in the same fashion as Leonard Fournette.

Samaje Perine has “incredible upper body strength,” and he’ll be “an unstoppable goal line back,” said Mel Kiper Jr when evaluating Perine for the draft. If you check out some of Perine’s highlights from college, then you’ll see exactly what Kiper was referring to.

You can see the big RB just bowling over defenders during his time at Oklahoma. Perine will start with a higher than average rating in the trucking category. Given the Redskins strong O-Line, Perine will be a great option for a ball control power running attack, and you should watch for him in Madden 18.

RB Donnel Pumphrey: RD 4 Philadelphia Eagles.

If you recognize the name, it’s due to the fact that Pumphrey is the NCAA leader in career rushing yards. The San Diego State RB ran for a whopping 2133 yds in 2016 alone. Pumphrey’s 349 carries and 17 TD’s are impressive, but his ability to find yards running the football make him a dangerous threat for years to come.

Pumphrey’s initial ratings need to be reflective of his record setting career at SD State. His awareness, ball carrier vision, and carry ratings should certainly reflect his stellar college play. Since Pumphrey was an all-around back in college, then his ratings might look average across the various RB categories. They need to be consistent, though. But make no mistake, Pumphrey has potential. He may have the best upside of any late round draft pick from the 2017 draft. Be sure to watch for Pumphrey in Madden 18.

These are only a few of the late round draft picks to watch for in Madden 18. Who are some of your picks? Any late round defensive players with potential you’re aware of? As always, feel free to comment below and share your thoughts with the Madden School Community.

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