EA Sports has posted a video, which you may have already seen, showing the reactions of several incoming rookies to their official ratings for "Madden NFL 16." But what were the ratings that generated the exaggerated responses ranging from satisfaction to incredulity?
Phillip Dorsett and Tevin Coleman were among the players featured in the EA video that did not make the list of top rated rookies for the game. They made the most outlandish predictions.
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Late first rounder Dorsett staked claim to a desired 95 Overall rating that would have made him the fourth highest rated wide receiver in the league, tied with the likes of A.J. Green and Julio Jones. Coleman, a mid-third round pick, apparently expected a 92 rating that would landed him as the 7th highest rated running back in the league.
Ultimately the ratings for "Madden NFL 16" fall right in line with the typical rookie evaluations that take place every year. Either the individuals in the video were just playing along for entertainment purposes or they have no understanding of the ratings system in the game, because it's generally very predictable.
The top rated rookies — typically just a handful — land in the lower 80s. Even a player the caliber of Andrew Luck, with enormous expectations and a consensus of pro readiness, was only able to get an 84 Overall as his initial rating. Based largely on draft standing, and the position being played, it goes down from there.
All other things being equal, the quarterbacks, due to the learning curve and fact that many won't even see the field as a rookie, tend to come in lower than those at other positions such as offensive lineman, wide receivers, linebackers, and safeties. This year the Nos. 1 and 2 picks were quarterbacks, yet neither found themselves atop the list of the highest rated rookies.
Amari Cooper, WR, Raiders (82 Overall)
It's the No. 4 pick of the draft that actually gets the honor of being the top rookie in the class for Madden. He can be an impact player in the game immediately given his 92 Speed, 94 Agility, and 87 Catching.
Jameis Winston, QB, Buccaneers (81 Overall)
Though he may not have been the highest rated, he's right on Cooper's tail, and it's a respectable grade for the top drafted QB. Given 95 Throw Power — which is questionable at best — Winston also will feature an excellent 88 in Short Accuracy.
Todd Gurley, RB, Rams (80 Overall)
The concern with Gurley relates to his injury history, and that's reflected with a very low 73 Injury rating that could see him frequently missing time on the field for those playing with the Rams in Madden. He'll be dynamic otherwise, both in terms of speed and power, with 91 Speed, 87 Acceleration, 91 Trucking, and 89 Stiff Arm.
Leonard Williams, DE, Jets (80 Overall)
Considered to be a steal, falling from what could have been a selection at No. 2 down to the Jets at No. 6, the value is apparent in Madden as well. 90 Block Shedding, 87 Strength, and 85 Power Move make him an ideal 3-4 DE in the game.
Brandon Scherff, OT, Redskins (80 Overall)
Offensive linemen are the most boring players to be drafted when considering their place in Madden. The CPU controls them completely, and the rookie ratings tend to be in the same vicinity of the mediocre linemen they'll be replacing. An 89 Run Block could be enough to make Scherff a considerable upgrade on Washington's line, however.
Dante Fowler, DE, Jaguars (79 Overall)
While he won't be seeing the NFL field this season after suffering an ACL tear on the first day of Rookie Minicamp, Fowler will still be making plays in Madden. Those who choose the Jaguars as their franchise team can start with him healthy. His 86 Speed, 89 Acceleration, and 83 Pursuit ratings make him a dangerous pass rusher.
Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers (78 Overall)
While Gurley has a unique combination of speed and power, Gordon is positioned more as a speed back in Madden. His 91 Speed, 88 Acceleration, 80 Elusiveness and 91 Spin Move will make him explosive in the open field.
Kevin White, WR, Bears (78 Overall)
The combination of White and Alshon Jeffery is going to cause headaches for defenses in Madden. White has been given 94 Speed, 92 Acceleration, 88 Agility, and 88 Catching so he'll be making big plays from the start. However, with Jay Cutler as the one throwing the passes, maybe it would have been worth it for EA to detail his Tackle rating as well.
Marcus Mariota, QB, Titans (78 Overall)
Traditionally, the double-threat QB has been more effective than the pocket passer in Madden. The 78 Overall probably downplays just how well Mariota could be utilized in the right hands. He has 90 Throw On The Run, 90 Acceleration, and 88 Speed to combine with good Mid (88) and Short (87) Accuracy ratings.
Vic Beasley, DE, Falcons (77 Overall)
The Falcons desperately needed help on defense, and after bringing in Seahawks' defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to be the new head coach, the drafting of Beasley was a big piece for hopefully turning things around. 87 Strength, 88 Speed, and 89 Acceleration will make him a dangerous pass rusher that will need to be accounted for by opposing offenses.
"Madden NFL 16" is scheduled to release on Aug. 25 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.
Bryan Wiedey posts sports gaming news and analysis daily at Pastapadre.com, has co-founded the new site HitThePass.com, is a regular participant in the Press Row Podcast, and can be reached on Twitter @Pastapadre.