Madden 22: Rookies you must trade for in Franchise Mode and young players to keep an eye on in NFL s

The NFL is back with a bang - with an expanded season and games in London, the hype is bigger than ever. And just as fans are flocking back to stadiums, many other supporters will be invested in building their own franchise on Madden 22.

The NFL is back with a bang - with an expanded season and games in London, the hype is bigger than ever.

And just as fans are flocking back to stadiums, many other supporters will be invested in building their own franchise on Madden 22.

The latest iteration of the popular EA Sports game was released last month but interest is set to spike with American football's return.

A new NFL season means many eyes will be firmly on rookies who made their debut on Madden 22 ahead of their first season in the big-time.

But who are the top young players fans should be looking to sign in the virtual world? talkSPORT.com takes a look...

10. DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles - 75

The 22-year-old became the first wide receiver to win the Heisman in 29 years after 1,856 receiving yards during his final year in college football.

Despite the fact that Smith became the third receiver taken in the draft, his 85 catching rating is higher than both the rookies taken above him.

The Eagles' 10th overall pick could prove a favourite for his quick feet, with his 91 score for both speed and agility while he also has 93 acceleration.

9. Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals - 75

The 21-year-old was the first wide receiver taken in the NFL Draft but EA has given him the same overall as Smith on Madden 22.

The ex-LSU star had a poor pre-season after being plagued by drop issues and Chase's 81 pass-catching reflects an area that needs improvement.

But a 92 speed and a staggering 95 jump is where he comes into his own as a certified red zone threat.

8. Zach Wilson, New York Jets - 75

The second overall pick in the 2021 draft has a tough ask replacing Sam Darnold for the lowest rated team on Madden 22.

Wilson is second in the rookie quarterback ratings with 83 speed score and an impressive 84 agility to aid him moving out of the pocket.

The 22-year-old's 85 Throw on the Run and 94 Throw Power ratings are both highest in the game among the rookie QB class.

7. Travis Etienne Jr. - Jacksonville Jaguars - 76

The 22-year-old sadly had his his rookie season end before it even began after foot surgery has ruled him out until 2022.

Yet fans can still take advantage of the Jags promising running back on Madden 22 - with Etienne's 76 overall putting him among the best rookies.

In Franchise Mode, the 25th pick of this year's draft boasts a 92 Speed rating and a 93 Acceleration rating.

6. Greg Newsome II, Cleveland Browns - 76

The 21-year-old was drafted by the Browns at No. 26 overall and is among the highest-rated defensive rookies on Madden 22.

Newsome led his team with the most pass breaks over the last two successive years and has high potential if you develop his defensive ratings such as Pursuit, Play Recognition, and Man Coverage.

The rookie cornerback is a zone archetype and boasts. 93 Speed, 92 Agility, and 92 Acceleration ratings and could rove a real asset.

5. Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers - 76

The 23-year-old is proving an early fantasy football favourite and his stats should endear himself to Madden players as well.

He’s a power back archetype with an 81 Strength rating but he really shines with his 94 Jumping and 95 Stamina scores.

Harris also boasts an uncanny ability to make defenders miss, as the Steelers star forced 93 missed tackles on scrimmage touches in 2020.

4. Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos - 76

The 21-year-old is the best overall rookie cornerback in Madden 22 and tied as the third-highest rated young player in the game.

The son of Miami Dolphins legend Patrick Surtain is a force on passing plays with 77 Man Coverage and 82 Press ratings.

The Broncos rookie was the SEC defensive player of the year and has been rewarded with 91 Speed, 90 Acceleration, and 92 Jumping ratings.

3. Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins - 76

The return specialist possessed inferior stats to Alabama teammate, DeVonta Smith, at collegiate level but was drafted before him.

Waddle is the fastest rookie receiver in the league with a blistering 97 in both speed and agility alongside a 95 acceleration rating.

The deep threat archetype also has value as a kick returner with an 85 score and his 90 jumping means he can perform stunning catches.

2. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars - 78

The Clemson quarterback was the top pick in the draft but is not quite the highest-rated rookie on Madden 22.

Lawrence is at least the highest-rated rookie quarterback however with his 80 Awareness rating making him the perfect young QB to build around.

The 21-year-old has a 91 Throw Power to pair with his 88 Acceleration while he also has the highest score in short and mid-range throw accuracy.

1. Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons - 81

The 20-year-old tight end has been officially crowned as the best-rated rookie in Madden 22 and has the potential to be a real powerhouse.

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For a young player, Pitts' overall rating is impressive enough before you consider the 6'6 star's wealth of physical attributes (91 SPD, 92 ACC).

The Florida product won't be easy to sign on Franchise Mode but his 92 jumping and 90 toughness would make him more than worth it.

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