Okay, so I spent a fair bit of time grinding Madden 23, trying to figure out who the really top-tier guys are to control yourself, you know, the “user” players. It wasn’t some scientific thing, just me messing around and seeing who felt right.
My Process Kinda Went Like This
First off, I just played the game. A lot. You start getting a feel for who covers ground quickly, who changes direction without feeling like a truck. Usually, I’m usering a linebacker or a safety, ’cause that’s where you can make some big plays happen on defense.
So, I started paying attention to the guys in the middle of the field. Speed is obviously huge. I definitely looked at the rosters and checked out the speed (SPD), acceleration (ACC), and agility (AGI) ratings. Change of Direction (COD) became a big one for me too in recent Maddens. A high COD rating really makes a difference when you’re trying to react to routes.
But ratings aren’t everything, right? Some players just feel faster or smoother than their numbers suggest. So, I went into practice mode quite a bit. I’d pick a team, put myself on defense, and just run around with different linebackers and safeties. I’d try to cover crossing routes, shadow running backs out of the backfield, see how quickly I could react to the snap and get into position.
I did the same thing in exhibition games against the CPU or friends online. I’d deliberately choose teams with defenders I was curious about. It took a while, trying out different guys, seeing who could jump routes, who felt sluggish, who had that sideline-to-sideline range.
Who Ended Up Being Good Users For Me?
Through all that messing around, a few guys consistently felt great to control:
- Fred Warner (MLB, 49ers): Just a beast. He’s got the size, the speed, the awareness. He felt super smooth changing direction and covering the middle. Always seemed to be in the right place.
- Roquan Smith (MLB, Ravens): Another really quick linebacker. Great acceleration, felt like I could shoot gaps or drop back into coverage really effectively with him.
- Isaiah Simmons (LB/S, Cardinals – though position varies): Okay, this dude is like a cheat code sometimes because of his speed and size. Wherever they list him, if you can get him at linebacker or safety, his physical tools are just insane for user control. Felt super fast.
- Derwin James Jr. (SS, Chargers): If you prefer usering a safety, this guy is awesome. Hits hard, but also has the speed and agility to cover tight ends or even some receivers. Very versatile feel.
- Micah Parsons (LB, Cowboys): Yeah, he rushes the passer a lot, but if you drop him back or just control him pre-snap, his speed is unreal for a linebacker. You can cover so much ground.
Honestly, finding the “best” user is super personal. It depends on your play style. Do you like lurking in the middle? Do you want pure speed? Do you prefer a safety over a linebacker? My process was just about trying guys out, focusing on those key movement stats, but ultimately going with who felt the best in my hands during actual gameplay. It took time, but that’s how I landed on the players I enjoyed usering the most in Madden 23.
