Ahead of the August release of Madden NFL 21, EA Sports released their ratings and rankings for the league’s best players. Each player gets a rating respective to their certain position, skills, and production on their team. Each overall rating is broken into certain skill sets such as stamina, awareness, speed, catching, strength, etc. The Packers are no different, as each star player got their respective rating and some are actually astounding. Here are the 10 highest rated Packers players in this years Madden.
Aaron Rodgers: 89 overall
Understandably, Aaron Rodgers received an overall rating of 89, ranking as the top sixth quarterback in the game. He hasn’t played in elite form these past few seasons, having not thrown 30 touchdowns since the 2016 season, but still remains on top of this list. A few of his highest scores are throwing power (94), toughness (98), and stamina (97).
Aaron Jones: 90 overall
Coming off his breakout season, tied for leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns, Aaron Jones deserved this recognition. Although he wasn’t selected for the pro bowl, he did gain 1,558 all purpose yards off of only 285 touches. His pure talent and ability to find the hole between blocks are shown with his 94 rating in agility, and his 93 rating in acceleration.
Davante Adams: 94 overall
Adams played in only 12 games and almost had his second 1000 yard season. However, he’s a true top five wide receiver in the league, and his madden rating proves it. Having scored a 90 or higher in a majority of the wide receiver skills set, Adams is an elite wide receiver. A few of his higher ratings are awareness (97), catching (94), release (97), and short routes (96).
David Bakhtiari: 96 overall
(Photo: Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports)
Being one of the staples of this Packers offensive line, Bakhtiari received the highest score in Madden for the left tackle position. He played 99% of the team’s offensive snaps last season, and earned his second pro bowl last season. Definitely a big bruiser up front in protecting Rodgers and worth the overall rating. A few of his highest ratings are awareness (98), pass blocking (96), and pass block finesse (98).
Elgton Jenkins: 80 overall
The rookie from Mississippi State was a vital part of the Packers offensive line. He played center in college, but showed his versatility by switching to left guard and protecting Rodgers’ blind side. He has a solid rating as a rookie, and could take step further in his second season. If he does, this rating will increase dramatically. As a rookie, he already has a 90 rating in awareness, and an 89 rating in strength.
Defense: Za’darius Smith 88 overall
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Not only did Smith get snubbed from a spot in the Pro Bowl, but he also didn’t receive a high Madden rating this year. If Bears defensive end Khalil Mack had not suffered an injury, Smith wouldn’t have played. He recorded more sacks this year (13.5) than his last three in Baltimore combined. In addition, he had 17 tackles for loss and 37 quarterback hits. He had his best season this year, and deserved at least a 91 overall rating. With the overall rating of 88, he still ranks fourth in the left outside linebacker position. Some of his strengths are awareness (95), pursuit (92), and power moves (91).
Jaire Alexander 90 overall
In only his second season, Alexander recorded 58 combined tackles, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. He’s developing to be a shadowing cornerback and is a huge factor in this Packers defense. His overall rating of 90 ranks as the fourth best cornerback in the game. A couple of his highest ratings are man coverage (93), agility (94), and change of direction (97).
Kenny Clark: 90 overall
Clark played in all 16 games, and was a staple to the team’s defensive line. He recorded 62 combined tackles, six sacks, and earned his first pro bowl. He’s only 24 years old and is becoming an elite interior defensive lineman. This year he gains a 95 rating in strength, a 92 in block shedding, and a 93 in play recognition. His overall rating of 90 ranks as the fifth best defensive tackle in the game.
Preston Smith: 84 overall
The other half of the “Smith Brothers”, had a respectable season, posting 12 sacks and 56 combined tackles. He also had four passes defended, and 23 quarterback hits. His 84 rating ranks him as Madden’s third best right side outside linebacker. Being paired with Za’darius Smith, Kenny Clark, and rising star Rashan Gary, Preston Smith will flourish nicely in this defense. Some of Smith’s strengths are toughness (90), acceleration (89), and power moves (86).
Adrian Amos: 86 overall
Amos was the third free agency acquisition, and his play solidified the validity of his signing. He recorded two interceptions, and was third on the team with 84 combined tackles (four for loss). He played 100% of the Packers defensive snaps, defended eight passes, and fit perfectly under Mike Pettine’s defense. With Amos, Kevin King and Jaire Alexander, this secondary is an elite group. His 86 overall rating has him as the top six strong safety, with a 92 rating in speed and a 91 rating in acceleration.
Overall
EA Sports certainly recognized the team’s best players when determining their ratings and rankings for Madden NFL 21. All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari earned the highest rating for the Packers with a 96 overall. Za’Darius Smith may have deserved a higher rating as he was a big focal point in the team’s disruptive defense. With these ratings, it’s interesting to see how the 2020 Packers will look like in the season ahead.
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