In Part 1  of Madden 12 Rookies to Watch, we covered the Carolina Panthers new QB Cam Newton. In a draft that was loaded with superstar potential, it was easy to see that many Madden teams were going to improve at the skill positions. The first surprise of the NFL Draft was when the Falcons used three future draft picks to move up to the sixth pick to take the Alabama’s stud receiver Julio Jones. Let’s break down just how big of a gain this is to the Falcons in Madden 12 this year.

We think Julio Jones could very well have the biggest rookie impact of any player in Madden 12. Even though the Bengals drafted A.J. Green higher in the draft, we can see Julio Jones getting a chance to be a huge piece in the Falcons offense because of the talent around him.

If the Packers receivers were scary to defend with their size and speed, then the Falcons are terrifying with Julio Jones, Roddy White and Mike Jenkins. Quarterback Matt Ryan has to think he’s in a dream right now, with Roddy White and Mike Jenkins blazing down the sidelines, and Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez controlling the middle of the field.

The ability to have four great receivers to throw to and let’s not forget Michael Turner in the backfield, make the Falcons a team that we can’t wait to get our hands on in Madden 12. Look for Julio Jones to be a player that many players use in the middle of the field. His size and great hands will make him hard to defend.

Sticking with the Alabama theme, our next look is at this year’s top drafted Running back. Mark Ingram is a player that many feel can finally help the running game of the New Orleans Saints. His 215 lb. frame is hard to bring down with just one defender. Ingram will give the Saints a great back to run counter plays with, along with the size to pick up blitzes and give Drew Brees time to hit his deadly targets down field.

The Saints are a predominantly pass first team in Madden, so many might say that Ingram won’t be much of a help, but now you have the option of playing Reggie Bush more as a WR and still have fresh legs in the backfield with Ingram and Thomas. The Saints are going to be a high-flying big numbers kind of Madden team this year, and we can’t wait to get them on the field.