The EA Sports Madden video game has been the largest football video game for a long period of time. It is the only game that has permission to use the names and likenesses of NFL players. The in-game ratings given to these players aren’t always the most accurate, however, as proven by certain ratings given to players on the Las Vegas Raiders.
It is clear that Madden ratings are not a reliable indicator of a player’s genuine ability. Regardless, players and spectators are typically curious to see how these virtual players stack up in the game.
As a whole, the ratings for the Raiders do not seem to be completely inaccurate. Some are quite questionable, though.
In almost every position group, there are both positives and negatives.
Las Vegas Raiders Madden ratings summary
Wide Receiver Ratings
Davante Adams comes in as the second-best player for the Silver and Black with an overall rating of 94. Sadly, due to his lack of production for his standards last season, Adams’ rating did decrease. At the moment, he stands as the NFL’s sixth-ranked receiver. Nevertheless, out of the top-six jumpers, he was rated as the best.
This position group is probably the least controversial. Jakobi Meyers came in as an 82 and Tre Tucker as a 73.
Though it’s understandable, the primary defense would likely be that Adams ought to be placed higher.
Cornerback Ratings
Generally, the defensive back room has not been a strength for the Raiders in recent history. Surprisingly, Jack Jones made a couple highlight plays last season, helping dramatically improve the position group.
The best in the room is undeniably Nate Hobbs with an 81 overall. That part is right. Where Madden is completely wrong is Jack Jones’ overall.
After one of the most absurd interceptions in NFL history against the Chargers, Jack Jones was only awarded a 74 overall rating. Jones also made an unforgettable play against the Chiefs on Christmas where he notched another interception. The former Patriot was given a 71.6 overall grade via Pro Football Focus, which was higher than that of Nate Hobbs.
Defensive Line Rankings
It should come as no surprise that Maxx Crosby has the highest Madden rating on the Raiders given his status as the franchise’s leader. He comes in tied as the third-highest rated edge rusher in the game under only Myles Garett and Micah Parsons. It’s amazing to see Crosby finally get the credit he deserves after being dominant for many years now.
Still, in this group lies the most glaring mistake among all of the ratings with the Raiders.
Malcolm Koonce surprised a lot of people last season as his ’23 campaign was not anticipated to be very productive. His progression was on full display at the end of the year, racking up six sacks through the last four contests.
Madden exemplified their lack of Raiders knowledge by rating Koonce (72) lower than Tyree Wilson (73). Koonce was also given a lower ‘speed’ rating than Wilson.
In the 24-year-old’s defense, Wilson participated throughout the season despite a foot injury sustained in college. However, Koonce made exponentially more explosive plays for the Raiders last season.
Wilson probably has a higher ceiling, but judging solely from the film last year, this is inexcusable. Koonce was given an 81.3 PFF grade in 2023 and is rated lower than his PFF grade in Madden.
Other Notable Raiders Ratings
Last year’s starting quarterback was Aidan O’Connell, who begins the year as a 67 overall. Comparatively, Gardner Minshew is a 73 overall with a six-point edge in speed. Dylan Laube is a 68 overall and has an 88 speed rating. Punter A.J. Cole is the highest-rated player at his position with an overall rating of 85.
It seems that there are many disagreements over Madden ratings because there are so many players to consider. Some ratings, however, are simply inexcusable.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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