There are three certainties in life: death, taxes, and a new edition of the popular video game series, “Madden NFL,” releasing in late summer. Like clockwork, this year’s edition – “Madden NFL 21” – will be available for fans to get their hands on August 25.
As with each new entry in the Madden franchise, there always comes the oft-debated ratings of all the players in the game. Fans will often squabble online about who should have been rated higher or lower out of a total score of 99 overall, but it typically fosters excitement for the upcoming game.
With this in mind, it is time to take a look at the top-10 rated Seahawks in “Madden NFL 21.”
No. 10 – Jarran Reed – DT, 80 OVR
Jarran Reed is a disruptive but often overlooked contributor to the Seahawks defensive front. By nature of missing the first six games of last season due to suspension, Reed’s production and name recognition understandably dipped.
However, the former Alabama standout is only a year removed from posting 10.5 sacks, becoming the first (and only) Seahawk since the great Cortez Kennedy to have double-digit sacks from the defensive tackle position.
No. 9 – Carlos Hyde – HB, 80 OVR
Once a division rival as a San Francisco 49er, the journeyman running back Carlos Hyde makes his way back to the NFC West . . . this time as a newly minted Seattle Seahawk.
After a strong start to his career in the Bay Area, Hyde is now on his third team in as many seasons although, it is not for lack of production. Last year, Hyde managed to have over 1,000 rushing yards – which was a career-high. He will certainly provide a boost to the Seahawks ground game both in reality and virtually.
No. 8 – K.J. Wright – ROLB, 81 OVR
Another Seahawk who had a career season in 2019 was defensive stalwart K.J. Wright, as he had the first multi-interception year of his career.
While many believed Seattle’s first-round pick, Jordyn Brooks from Texas Tech, was a signal from the Seahawks they were moving on from Wright, the team has remained steadfast that he is in their plans. Good decision, as Wright still brings considerable value in run defense and veteran leadership.
No. 7 – Shaquill Griffin – CB, 84 OVR
Shaquill Griffin had a solid bounce-back season last year, following a tumultuous sophomore slump in 2018. Griffin really took over the role as Seattle’s No. 1 corner.
With a 94 speed rating, Griffin is one of the fastest corners in the new Madden, behind only Denzel Ward of the Cleveland Browns.
Griffin would likely improve his rating considerably if he is able to improve upon his interception totals in 2020.
No. 6 – Duane Brown – LT, 84 OVR
The wily veteran’s still got it. Duane Brown may not be in his prime, but is still one of the better left tackles in the NFL, and Madden is well aware.
Even with an 84 rating, Duane Brown still cracks into the Top 10 for left tackles in the game at No. 9 overall. There may be considerable question marks all along the Seahawks offensive line (as usual) but Brown is certainly not one of them.
No. 5 – Greg Olsen – TE, 86 OVR
Here is the first, and really only, controversial rating involving a Seahawk for the new game. Greg Olsen, despite his age and recent injury history, is still a top-10 ranked tight end in the new game.
Many fans outside of the Carolina’s and the Pacific Northwest were vocal about Olsen’s inclusion, but Madden clearly agrees with the Seahawks on this one – Olsen still has some gas left in the tank.
No. 4 – Chris Carson – HB, 86 OVR
Chris Carson is the lifeblood of Seattle’s ground attack. Posting career highs in back-to-back years with 1,151 yards in 2018 and 1,230 yards last season, Carson is one of the more productive running backs in the league. Entering only his fourth year as a pro, Carson will look to build on an already solid resume.
Unfortunately, he’s perhaps ranked a little lower than most Seahawk fans might like due to a nasty fumble issue that plagued him in 2019, and the fact he has had two season-ending injuries in two of his three years. Durability and ball control issues are well warranted with Carson.
No. 3 – Tyler Lockett – WR, 88 OVR
Tyler Lockett has quietly developed into one of the better, and more unheralded, wide receivers in the game. With his blistering speed, athleticism, crisp route running, and cerebral chemistry with Russell Wilson, Lockett is a challenge for almost any defense to contain.
Lockett may not be ranked as high as some were hoping for, but that is because there is a log jam of incredibly talented receivers in the NFL. That being said, Madden certainly made him one of the fastest in the game, and his agility rating of 97 is second only to Kansas City’s Tyreek Hill.
No. 2 – Russell Wilson – QB, 97 OVR
Easily the most disrespected player in the NFL is Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. Despite being undeniably elite and one of the best in the league, Wilson is often overlooked for flashier quarterbacks and ones from bigger market teams.
Fortunately for the sanity of Seahawk fans, at least Madden is one to give Wilson his proper due. As the second-highest-rated QB in the game, Wilson actually has the best deep ball rating, edging out reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes.
When playing with the Seahawks in Madden NFL 21, players are going to enjoy a considerable advantage at the quarterback position.
No. 1 – Bobby Wagner – MLB, 98 OVR
The only Seahawk Madden respects more than Wilson is Bobby Wagner. Last year, Wagner was one of only four members of the illustrious 99 Club, which is made up of the top-ranked players in the game for that season.
Wagner may not have made a second consecutive appearance, but he only “dropped” to a 98 OVR, more than good enough to be the No. 1 linebacker in the whole game. Second place is still eight points away, which is the greatest disparity between any No. 1 and No. 2 player at any position in the game.
Wagner is a force on the field and in the gaming console.
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