The New England Patriots’ rookies have their initial rating for the video game, “Madden 20.” Receiver N’Keal Harry, the team’s first pick in the 2019 draft, is atop the class with a 71 rating. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham, a fourth-round pick, was at the bottom of the class with a 57 rating.
The rest of the class fell between those totals, with cornerback Joejuan Williams getting a 70, running back Damien Harris and defensive end Chase Winovich getting a 69, punter Jake Bailey getting a 66, defensive tackle Byron Cowart and cornerback Ken Webster getting a 63 and tackle Yodny Cajuste and guard Hjalte Froholdy getting a 61.
The ratings are based on a different spread this season, and thus aren’t comparable to past years.
A few quick thoughts on these ratings:
- Madden is clearly down on Stidham, who had a rough final college season. For a point of comparison, quarterback Kyler Murray got a 73 overall. But the video game creators are following public consensus: Stidham is a raw and unpolished quarterback. His rating is low now. That’s probably fair. But the Patriots don’t nee him to be starter-ready now. Let’s give it time.
- Harry is likely to be the team’s No. 2 receiver and perhaps even the team’s second-leading pass-catcher in receiving yards behind Julian Edelman. He might beat those ratings.
- Similarly, Harris’ rating may be an underestimate. He may not have a feature-back role in the offense, but he’s the kind of big, power-back that Bill Belichick really likes.
- Froholdt is another player who could sneakily earn a higher rating, even in a limited role in 2019.
- Madden also seems to like Bailey, who is embroiled in a competition with Ryan Allen. But a 66 isn’t great — Allen’s rating has to be much higher, right?
