We’re just weeks away from the launch of Madden NFL 17 on August 23, and to celebrate, EA Sports has debuted the first batch of player ratings. As is tradition, though, some of the big-name rookies this season aren’t thrilled with their designated ratings.
Looking exclusively at the top ratings among rookies, Jaguars CB Jalen Ramsey leads all players with an 82 overall rating. Following Jacksonville’s explosive cornerback is Cowboys HB Ezekiel Elliot, who carries a rating of 80 into the season. Rounding out the top five rookies are Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley, Buccaneers K Roberto Aguayo and Chargers LE Joey Bosa, who all have the same 79 overall score.
To further rub salt in the wound, EA Sports invited a select group of players out to see if they could guess their Madden NFL 17 rating. Marquee names such as Rams QB Jared Goff and Texans WR Braxton Miller tried, and failed, to figure out their ratings in certain categories. In Madden’s defense though, some of the answers, like Goff guessing his accuracy was rated at 94 or 95, were a little presumptuous.
While this week’s update only concerned rookie ratings, additional Madden NFL 17 player ratings will be unveiled over the coming weeks. The best players, who will be showcased first, will most likely retain similar ratings to last year, but don’t be surprised to see some big jumps. For instance, stars such as Jameis Winston and Marcus Peters are primed to see bumps this season.
Call it cruel if you want, but it’s always nice to see players get taken down a notch with these videos. Sure, they are more athletic and wealthy then I could ever dream to be, but that’s why it’s nice to see them get humbled at least a little bit. Besides, if they perform up their abilities, they can look forward to a raised rating at the end of the 2016-2017 NFL season.
We’ll continue to have coverage of Madden NFL 17 in the lead-up to its launch next month, so stay tuned!