Madden 25 Scouting & Drafting Guide For Franchise Mode

As a seasoned Madden player with years of experience under my belt, let me share some invaluable insights I’ve gathered over time to help you navigate the draft process like a pro!


In Madden 25’s Franchise setting, it’s not just about securing Super Bowl victories; it’s also about identifying and recruiting top-tier talent to sustain your team’s dominance. It’s crucial to recognize the positions where your team is weak and keep track of when your star players might retire. Moreover, the unpredictable events like free agency and trades can suddenly take away your best performers. Consequently, we’ve put together a guide on how to effectively Scout and Draft players in Madden 25’s Franchise Mode.

Madden 25 Guide – How to Scout & Draft Players in Franchise

To build a strong team in Madden 25’s Franchise mode, it’s crucial to recruit top-tier scouts and strategically place them in key regions. Here’s a breakdown of each component:

Initially, let’s discuss your coaching team, which it’s crucial to establish prior to the start of the season. In Madden 25 Franchise, you can assemble a maximum of five scouts. Each one possesses their own performance ratings. Important to remember that you are limited to:

  • One three-star scout
  • One two-star scout
  • Three one-star scouts

Consider dismissing your scouts at the earliest opportunity. Rest assured, should any of them be valuable to you, they could potentially be rehired in the future.

It’s crucial to bring on board recruits who specialize in the roles you’re lacking. For instance, if your team is struggling defensively in the secondary, it would be wise to recruit an experienced scout who excels in finding CBs and Safeties. If your offensive line is strong but you’re looking for future reinforcements, consider hiring a moderately skilled scout with expertise in the offensive line.

Regions

In the Franchise Mode of Madden 25, it’s essential that you explore and identify talented players nationwide. Your team of scouts becomes crucial in this aspect, as you must delegate each one to a specific geographical area over the course of the year. The territories covered by Madden 25 are:

  • National
  • Northeast
  • Southeast
  • Central
  • West

The main difference in regions is the type of talent they produce in a given year. For example, the Southeast might produce a lot of good QBs, so perhaps send your scout with QB expertise to research players in that area throughout the year. You can also assign a scout nationally, which will research players throughout the country.

We recommend one of two things for assigning scouts in Madden 25:

  1. Assigning your three-star scout as your national scout OR
  2. Assigning your three-star scout to a highly talented region for a position of need

If your team excels across all positions and doesn’t have significant gaps, delegate your three-star scout to focus on a national search. This strategy will significantly enhance your scouting efforts at a national level. Conversely, if you find yourself in need of specific players for certain positions, direct your three-star scout towards regions rich in talent for those positions.

To put it simply, if you’re looking to bolster your secondary and there are top-notch cornerbacks in the Southeast, delegate your three-star scout to that region. Keep in mind that each new year brings a fresh draft class, which could significantly alter the landscape of any given region. For instance, the Southeast might have produced excellent quarterbacks in 2025, but it may not yield any standouts in 2026. To stay informed about the strengths and weaknesses of each area’s draft classes, regularly review the regional breakdown every year.

Season Progression & Scout Reports

As the gaming season advances, my scouts bring back more details about each prospect in the draft pool. These details span from performance ratings, projected draft positions, and the depth of their investigations. Throughout the year, mock drafts will be released, providing a sneak peek into where a player might end up. Don’t forget to keep these predictions in mind if there’s a specific player you’ve been tracking closely.

Just before the draft, you’ll find NFL Combine player grades, providing additional insights about each player. These grades could influence your decision to select or reject a player. For instance, if the top-ranked quarterback underperformed at the Combine, it might not bode well for their future performance and ratings. On the other hand, a running back who is projected to be drafted in the 5th round might outshine expectations due to their impressive Combine results.

Trading & Earning Picks

Consider loading up on draft selections prior to the draft night. Are you absolutely set on obtaining a seventh-round pick in this season? Is it justified to keep a 33-year-old backup right guard with a 75 overall rating on your team’s roster?

Think about swapping players and future draft selections for higher-valued picks down the line. If you don’t anticipate using a 7th round pick in 2026, exchange it for a 6th round pick in 2027. If a 35-year-old player can be traded for a 6th or 7th round selection, go ahead and do so. Build up your arsenal (draft picks) to use as bargaining chips during trade talks on draft night.

In the League Configuration, you have the flexibility to make trades either harder or easier, tailoring them to suit your playing style.

Draft Night – Tips on Drafting The Best Players in Madden 25

Before moving on to the NFL Draft in Madden 25, don’t forget to SAVE YOUR PROGRESS! This way, if you’re not satisfied with the players you’ve drafted, you can always revert back to a previous state. Also, remember to turn OFF the Draft Timer.

During the Draft, you’ll have one of two main options to choose from:

  • Trade For Current Selection/Your Selection
  • Make Your Selection
  • Skip Ahead (Your Next Pick, Next Pick, End of Draft)

Trading Picks on Draft Night

If your team wasn’t ranked as the worst at the end of last season, you’ll have the opportunity to move up in the draft. But be aware that moving up early could come at a high price, depending on the complexity of your trading negotiations. For instance, you might need to offer significant concessions, even potentially surrendering multiple assets, to secure the first overall pick.

You’ll also get the chance to make your own selections if there’s no one on the board you prefer. Typically, exchanging a draft pick should lead to a better pick, or multiple picks. For instance, I occasionally swap my current fourth-round picks for third-round picks in the next year. These third-round picks can then be used to draft promising players or serve as bargaining chips in trade discussions.

As a dedicated fan, when considering swapping draft picks with another team, I always evaluate their current roster and standing. For instance, if the struggling 2-15 Patriots propose trading their first round pick for your veteran running back, it might be prudent to accept the offer. Their poor performance this season could persist, resulting in a highly beneficial pick for you in the upcoming draft.

Making A Selection – Who are the best players to Draft in Madden 25 Franchise?

In Madden 25’s Franchise Mode, it’s advantageous to select players who have impressive scout grades and Combine performances. However, keep in mind that not every top-rated player will consistently perform well. Occasionally, a player with average ratings but exceptional Combine results might catch your eye. Remember, each draft pick comes with some degree of risk, and the level of risk varies from one selection to another.

We advise you to save your work as you go along. If you’re unhappy with the players you chose later on, don’t hesitate to revert back to an earlier save. However, it could also be exciting to continue without changing anything and witness the outcome.

As a long-time Madden player and NFL enthusiast, I can confidently say that this comprehensive guide is a must-read for anyone looking to master Scouting and Drafting in Madden 25. Having spent countless hours on the virtual gridiron, I’ve learned firsthand how crucial it is to understand the intricacies of the scouting system if you want to consistently select top-tier talent and elevate your Franchise to new heights. By following the insights provided in this guide, I believe that you too can draft the next NFL Legend who will carry your team to victory after victory. And let’s not forget the joy of booing virtual Roger Goodell on Draft Night – it’s a tradition I look forward to every year!

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2024-08-14 20:09