Each year, a new version of Madden Football comes out for video game systems. Who goes on the cover each year is always an interesting question.

Last year, Barry Sanders, who was been retired since 1998, graced the cover of the 25th anniversary edition of Madden Football. From 1988 to 1999, it was John Madden, the Hall of Fame coach, who was on the cover, but starting in 2000 a different athlete was featured on game boxes.

This year, there are 16 different possibilities for the cover man. They will be decided in a bracket-based tournament. Let's take a look at the athletes and predict who will advance to round 2.

Round 1

Left Bracket

Richard Sherman (CB, Seattle Seahawks) vs. Alshon Jeffery (WR, Chicago Bears)

With Richard Sherman's popularity, his recent huge contract signing, his outburst on a reporter on live TV and his Super Bowl ring, he will definitely advance to the second round. Jeffery is an improving third-year pro but still needs a few years to gain popularity. WINNER-Sherman

Jimmy Graham (TE, New Orleans Saints) vs. Eddie Lacy (RB, Green Bay Packers)

The NFL made a rule just because of guys like Jimmy Graham. The slam-dunk over the field goal post is no longer allowed after Graham did it so much he once damaged a field goal post during a post-touchdown celebration. Graham has been one of the league's top tight ends for the last three years. Last year he scored 16 touchdowns and had 1,215 yards. 

Lacy had an excellent rookie season but is still too new to appear on the cover of Madden. He'll continue to be an important part of the Packers' offense and could make a Madden cover someday. WINNER-Graham

Demaryius Thomas (WR, Denver Broncos) vs. Luke Kuechly (LB, Carolina Panthers)

Thomas had an excellent 2013 season as one of Peyton Manning's favorite receivers. He hauled in 14 TD's and 1,430 yards receiving. He's a popular and reliable receiver, not just in Denver but also in the entire NFL.

Kuechly helped the Panthers defense make the playoffs. He had four interceptions along with 156 total tackles. He's still trying to show his superstar capabilities. He has remained healthy in both of his NFL seasons. WINNER-Thomas

Colin Kaepernick (QB, San Francisco 49ers) vs. Nick Foles (QB, Philadelphia Eagles)

Kaepernick's popularity keeps getting bigger and bigger. He has become a hard-to-tackle runner and accurate passer. The quarterback is one of the NFL's most admired players.

Foles, a former backup, led the Eagles to the playoffs. He was extremely accurate and careful with the ball, only throwing two interceptions. Still, it doesn't seem the Eagles are completely sold on him. The team just signed Mark Sanchez, and they still have Matt Barkley who they drafted in 2013. WINNER-Kaepernick

Right Bracket

Cam Newton (QB, Carolina Panthers) vs. Antonio Brown (WR, Pittsburgh Steelers)

Newton had his best season in 2013. He's making less mistakes and proving his worth as a first round draft pick. Newton and the Panthers have the potential for playoff success again in 2014.

Brown is arguably the best receiver on the Steelers' roster. Although only 5-foot-10, Brown has speed and great hands. WINNER-Newton

Jamaal Charles (RB, Kansas City Chiefs) vs. A.J. Green (WR, Cincinnati Bengals)

Charles is an established runner who continues to post great numbers each year for Kansas City. In every year since he entered the league in 2008, he has run for at least a 5-yard-per-carry average. 

Green is one of the league's best receivers. The big target accumulated 1,426 yards in receiving in 2013. Give Green a couple more years, and he could be a featured player on the front of Madden. WINNER-Charles

LeSean McCoy (RB, Philadelphia Eagles) vs. T.Y. Hilton (WR, Indianapolis Colts)

McCoy helped the Eagles remain balanced on offense. He ran for 1,607 yards and scored 9 TDs.

Hilton, a short and small receiver (5-foot-9 and 178 pounds) still managed to log 1,083 yards receiving. He is still on his way up as a favorite receiver of QB Andrew Luck. WINNER-McCoy

Andrew Luck (QB, Indianapolis Colts) vs. Alfred Morris (RB, Washington Redskins)

Luck had an excellent 2013 season. His gutsy performance in the comeback win versus the Chiefs in the playoffs was remarkable.

Morris quietly rushed for over 1,000 yards on a bad Redskins team (3-13). He's reliable but not deserving of a Madden cover. WINNER-Luck

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Voting began May 8 for round 1 of the Madden 15 cover contest. It lasts through May 15. Round 2 will be held May 15-22, round 3 May 22-30 and the finals will be held May 30-June 6.

Who do you think will grace the cover of Madden 15? Leave a comment below.