More often than not, Super Bowl contenders are known way before the NFL season even kicks off. We already know that the Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs are looking for another championship, as are the Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, and a few others. This leaves everybody else, who will use a slew of different strategies.
Some teams will try to tool up for a push and move a few assets around in order to stay competitive with the top teams. Others, however, have no choice but to rebuild with the goal of having success multiple seasons down the line. But what are the best strategies to do this as it pertains to the drafting process in the upcoming Madden 26? Here are a few.
Prioritize Physical Attributes
Not every player in the draft is going to have a high football IQ out of college. In fact, it’s rare that one does — not everyone is a Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes and immediately takes to the pace and style of NFL play. With that in mind, you should prioritize a player’s physical attributes when drafting them and hope that they can get the fundamentals down over time.
For instance, if you see a running back with great strength and speed, but lacking in ball carrying, take them. If you see an incredibly athletic quarterback with the ability to extend plays and maybe break off a run, they can fit in, too. The same applies to other positions such as wide receiver, lineman, etc.
Having good physical intangibles is a great predictor of success in the NFL. Draft with that in mind.
Trade High-Valued Assets For Picks And Developing Players
Let’s say you’re with a team that doesn’t have a hope of being competitive in the immediate future. Well, the time has come to unload some of your high-valued players in exchange for draft picks or bridge players.
For instance, let’s say you’re in charge of a team like the Las Vegas Raiders, who don’t have a shot this year. Then maybe, trading Maxx Crosby — a 4-time Pro Bowl defensive end — is in your best interests. Not only are you freeing yourself of a massive contract, but you are also investing in your future. Obviously, trade logic is still to be determined when it comes to Madden 26, but I can’t see him leaving the team for anything less than a first or second-round pick (among other benefits) in order to play somewhere that is built to win now. With that kind of draft capital, you can get more picks in the draft, which increases your chances of picking the next superstar.
Quarterback Should Always Be Your First Priority
If you are rebuilding a team through the draft, it’s likely you haven’t settled on a franchise quarterback. And, make no mistake about it, this is the most important position when it comes to building a team’s future. After all, the number of teams that have won a Super Bowl without at least a competent QB is extremely small.
If you’re rebuilding for the future and don’t have a Mahomes, Josh Allen, or Lamar Jackson, you should always prioritize drafting a quarterback in the first round. Admittedly, grabbing the best QB of their class will be hard unless you have the first overall pick. But there will likely be anywhere from 3-4 QBs in any draft class that at least have the potential to be a good NFL player.
