Everyday we inch closer to the start of the season, we also inch closer to a date almost as important. On August 25th, or August 22nd if you're willing to spend the extra $20 on the GOAT Edition (it's tempting, but it's a waste of money), Madden 18 will hit stores and the homes of video game and football fanatics alike. Even though you will still have to wait another week or so for the game, you no longer have to wait for player ratings. From Pro Bowlers to players on the brink of roster cuts, Madden has released them all. If you're a super fan of both Madden and the Hurricanes like myself, you'll be interested to see where EA ranks our #ProCanes.

The Rookies

Adrian Colbert: 60 OVR

Brad Kaaya: 64 OVR

Al-Quadin Muhammed: 65 OVR

Stacey Coley: 66 OVR

Marquez Williams: 68 OVR

Danny Isidora: 68 OVR

Corn Elder: 69 OVR

Rayshawn Jenkins: 70 OVR

Justin Vogel: 75 OVR

David Njoku: 78 OVR

Njoku, who was the first Hurricane off the board at 29th Overall, will make his Madden debut as the top Hurricane rookie and the second best rookie Tight End (behind O.J. Howard). Njoku has pretty impressive stats, most notably 87 Speed, 90 Acceleration, and an 82 Spec Catch. If you're starting a MUT (Madden Ultimate Team) Squad, Njoku can be an affordable and efficient receiving option.

The Stars

Frank Gore: 83 OVR

Frank Gore doesn't have any stats that will blow you away; in fact, his 83 Speed and 82 Acceleration are average for a starting running back. At 34 years old, though, he defies all odds of the stereotypes regarding older running backs. Like he always does, Gore will look to make a modest impact.

Lamar Miller: 85 OVR

After a down year in a new system with a heavy workload, Lamar Miller is still considered by EA Sports as the best Hurricane running back. Personally, Miller wows me away with his 92 Speed, 92 Acceleration, and 95 Agility. This will be one of the first cards I'll buy on the auction block.

Brandon Linder: 85 OVR

There's not much to say about Brandon Linder, but if you played Madden 17 last year, you know how important offensive line ratings are. Madden 18 looks to put a heavier emphasis on overall mismatches, but with an 86 Impact Blocking rating, you should feel comfortable with Brandon Linder as your center.

Oliver Vernon: 88 OVR

After a monster inaugural season with the Giants, Oliver Vernon sits as one of the highest rated defensive ends. Block shedding proved to be an essential stat for elite defensive lineman last year. With an 89 Block Shed rating, Vernon should be great to have on your defensive line.

Calais Campbell: 91 OVR

It's hard to believe that Oliver Vernon isn't considered Miami's best defensive end, but it's understandable that Calais Campbell is. Just like Vernon did last year, Campbell looks to make an impact with his new team. If you are a Madden Franchise player, Campbell is one of Jacksonville's sole bright spots.

Greg Olsen: 92 OVR

It goes unsaid that Greg Olsen is overlooked by flashier tight ends such as Travis Kelce or Rob Gronkowski, but Olsen is the complete tight end. 92 Spec Catch rating. 93 Catch in Traffic. 94 Route Running. Need I say more?

Jimmy Graham: 93 OVR

Speaking of tight ends, another name that is often forgotten when mentioning the league's top 3 tight ends is Jimmy Graham. EA didn't forget about Graham. At 93 overall, Graham ranks as Miami's best alumnus and is easily the most complete player. Yeah, Olsen might have impressive receiving skills, but with running back quality speed (85 Speed, 90 Acceleration), Graham is one of the best options at tight end in the game.

The Others

Olsen Pierre: 59 OVR

Stephen Morris: 61 OVR

Thurston Armbrister: 61 OVR

Ufomba Kamulu: 61 OVR

Jamal Carter: 62 OVR

Herb Waters: 62 OVR

Rashawn Scott: 63 OVR

Tracy Howard: 63 OVR

Jon Feliciano: 63 OVR

Deon Bush: 66 OVR

Erik Swoope: 66 OVR

Anthony Chickillo: 66 OVR

Asante Cleveland: 67 OVR

Seantrel Henderson: 71 OVR

Ereck Flowers: 71 OVR

Eric Winston: 72 OVR

Ladarius Gunter: 72 OVR

Ray-Ray Armstrong: 73 OVR

Phillip Dorsett: 73 OVR

Sean Spence: 73 OVR

Clive Walford: 75 OVR

Denzel Perryman: 76 OVR

Allen Bailey: 77 OVR

Artie Burns: 78 OVR

Pat O'Donnell: 79 OVR

Duke Johnson Jr.: 80 OVR

Travis Benjamin: 80 OVR

Allen Hurns: 81 OVR

Matt Bosher: 82 OVR

Stay tuned for my #ProCanes Fantasy Football Rankings.

Go Canes!