First off, I love the game so much more than Madden 2002, primarily because of things like the draft - it’s much harder to “cheat” at the game.
That being said, how can I “cheat” at the draft?
I’ve been through 3 of them now with my franchise, and I keep getting crappy rookies (the best I’ve done was a FS rated 78; my normal 1st rounders are mid 60s - low 70s).
First off, strategy. Bunch my scouting in particular positions, or spread them wide among 5-6 positions? When should I scout blue chip prospects and when low rounders?
Next, tactics. How do the various data they tell us (40 speed, shuttle speed, bench presses, etc.) relate to ability rankings? Any particular scouting notes that mean “avoid this guy like the plague” or “draft him, you moron!”
You could always save your franchise just before the draft, sim the draft to find out the ratings then go and reload your franchise knowing the rating of each player. That is of course, only if you want to cheat. 78 for a safety as a rookie isn’t that bad. You know the guys progress over time, right? You have to give them playing time if you want them to progress though.
I would also add that you have no idea what you’re missing out on if you don’t also have NCAA 2003 to import draft classes. You can download the players’ names for NCAA off of the net. Having the college guys to draft makes the game even more fun (if you can believe that).
The forums here: www.maddenmania.com are the SDMB equivalent of Madden 03. You have to register to get on the forums, but it’s worth it if you like the game. You’ll get a better response there than you will here.
I have a strategy for moving up in the draft. Basicaly in week 6 (trading deadline) I offer my top 3 picks to the worst team(s) for their top 3, and can usually find a taker. Usually a team that is 0-6 at the deadline will end up with at least one of the worst records in the league and I will get a top 5 draft pick. Not every team will accept your offer, but there is usually at least one terrible team each year that will take you up.
I’ll check out the other forums you recommended later, but in the meantime, maybe you can answer something for me.
Is there any way to control who comes out in the draft? I had a senior HB from USC, ranked first or second in all important stats (TDs, yards, YPC, etc.), and when I exported, then imported, the draft class HE WASN’T THERE! :mad: I don’t know if he pulled a Charlie Ward on me or what, but that was irritating. (All-American safety Troy Polamalu was also MIA.)
Anyway to fix this? It’s seriously messing up my attempt to have an all 'SC Lions roster.
