May 20, 2011

ESPN.com has released that Patrick Peterson, the fifth overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft, is the highest rated rookie with an 82 overall. Peterson, who has phenomenal speed to match his 6’1 frame is expected to make an instant impact on an already very impressive secondary in Madden and in the NFL as he joins Adrian Wilson, Kerry Rhodes, and arguably the best corner in Madden, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

The Cardinals are quite the sleeper team as we’ve seen our Madden Pro Truth use them in a recent AM Film Room episode. Peterson is the perfect addition to the defense. The Cardinals offense, however, certainly could use a bit more speed in the game.

Check out the ratings below, and weigh in on who you think should be the highest rated rookie of this draft class in our poll!

Patrick Peterson’s Rating In Madden 12

With that said, here are the ratings directly as ESPN columnist Jon Robinson reported it earlier today:

But I’m not the only one high on Peterson, as “Madden NFL 12″ ratings guru Donny Moore has informed me that Arizona’s electrifying corner will be the highest-rated rookie in the game with an 82 overall, including 97 speed, 96 agility, 93 acceleration, 93 jumping, 77 catching (highest for any rookie CB), and 91 return. In terms of his defensive skill set, Peterson clocks in with 89 man coverage, 82 zone coverage, and 90 press.

What these ratings mean is that if the zone defense isn’t what they claim it to be next year, the Cardinals have the size and speed to run man coverage against any team in the NFL.  This secondary allows the offense to pick their poison. The trick to making the Cardinals work next year? Having an explosive offense and not letting your opponents to run the ball to keep the game close. If they’re forced to pass, they’re forced to essentially turn the ball over.

Read the rest of the article on ESPN.com, and be sure to check out the interview with Peterson!