A decade ago, when EA Sports shuttered its popular college football franchise, the art of roster management was simple. Players committed, players stayed (for three or four years) and transfers were a rarity more than anything else.

Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams and Ohio State wideout Jeremiah Smith made the front cover of the game this year. However, the Patriots' social media team created four what-if covers featuring Tom Brady, Christian Gonzalez, Drake Maye and Will Campbell.