Kyler Murray was selected No. 1 in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Cardinals, but that isn't his position as far as rookie ratings go for the upcoming "Madden NFL 20." The label of "top rookie" instead belongs to the NFL Draft's third overall pick, Quinnen Williams of the New York Jets, who was given an 80 Overall rating by video game developer EA Sports.
In fact, Murray barely cracks the upper tier as he finds himself in a tie for 20th with a 73 Overall rating.
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Rookie quarterbacks have generally been rated lower than other positions that may have easier transitions to the NFL from college. Lower ratings in categories such as Awareness play a big role in that trend. Quarterbacks have to get on the field and prove themselves, but they benefit from playing the position that can produce the most highlights — and stats — to result in a rise in ratings over the course of a season.
Despite his lower Overall rating, Murray will be a big threat right out of the gate. He has 91 Speed, 92 Acceleration, 90 Agility, 89 Throw Power and 87 Throw on the Run.
The second-highest-rated rookie is Ed Oliver of the Bills. He comes in at 79 Overall, ahead of his draft position of 9th. Nick Bosa, selected second by the 49ers, ranks third at 78 Overall.
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One name rated well above his draft position is Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, who was taken 64th but boasts a 76 Overall rating that ranks him tied for seventh among rookies.Players with impressive physical and athletic attributes have an advantage in ratings, as those have already been demonstrated without having play a single down. At receiver, Metcalf has 95 Speed (second), 94 Jumping (second), 93 Acceleration (third), 80 Stiff Arm (first), 77 Strength (first), and 68 Trucking (first).
Others who jumped beyond their slots include Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. (taken 50th — 75 Overall) and receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside of the Eagles (drafted 57th — 73 Overall).
Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown is the fastest rookie with a Speed rating of 97. Metcalf, Mecole Hardman, and Andy Isabella are next at 95.
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The most disappointing player entering "Madden NFL 20" is easy to identify. Giants quarterback Daniel Jones was taken sixth overall, but ranks 204th among rookies with a 63 Overall. One of those players is a quarterback who went undrafted.
A new ratings system is spreading out the numbers more this year in order to better differentiate player performance on the field. That has been reflected here, as typically in the past the top rookies would start in the low-mid 80s. This year there are numerous first rounders who don't even crack the 70s.
80 - Quinnen Williams (NYJ)
79 - Ed Oliver (BUF)
78 - Nick Bosa (SF)
77 - Josh Allen (JAX), Marquise Brown (BAL), T.J. Hockenson (DET)
76 - Dexter Lawrence (NYG), D.K. Metcalf (SEA)
75 - Brian Burns (CAR), Irv Smith (MIN), Byron Murphy (ARI), Christian Wilkins (MIA)
74 - Noah Fant (DEN), Clelin Ferrell (OAK), Josh Jacobs (OAK), N'Keal Harry (NE), Jeffery Simmons (TEN), Jerry Tillery (LAC), Devin White (TB)
73 - Kyler Murray (ARI), J.J. Arcega Whiteside (PHI), Garrett Bradbury (MIN), Rashan Gary (GB), Montez Sweat (WAS), Greedy Williams (CLE)
72 - A.J. Brown (TEN), Sean Murphy-Bunting (TB), Devin Bush (PIT), Hakeem Butler (ARI), Dwayne Haskins (WAS), Darrell Henderson (LAR), Trysten Hill (DAL), Andy Isabella (ARI), Darnell Savage (GB), Jace Sternberger (GB), Jachai Polite (NYJ), Miles Sanders (PHI), Devin Singletary (BUF), Jonah Williams (CIN)
"Madden NFL 20" releases on July 30 (Superstar Edition for $80) and August 2 (Standard Edition) and includes a new Career Mode featuring some college teams. The Standard Edition of the game is available for just $50.94 through Amazon.
Bryan Wiedey posts sports gaming news and analysis daily at Pastapadre.com, is co-founder of the sports gaming site HitThePass.com, hosts the "Press Row Podcast" and can be reached on Twitter @Pastapadre.