The ratings for EA Sports’ ‘Madden NFL 21′ were released. The defending NFC champions didn’t get a ton of respect from the ratings.
We went through all the overall ratings and picked out what we can learn about the 49ers’ roster from those ratings. We also went in and figured out which players were underrated in the initial release:
Quarterbacks
Jimmy Garoppolo: 83
Nick Mullens: 66
CJ Beathard: 56
The important takeaway here is that Garoppolo is by far the best quarterback on the 49ers’ roster. An improvement in rating for him may just come with an uptick in usage this season.
Running backs
Kyle Juszczyk: 86
Raheem Mostert: 84
Tevin Coleman: 83
Jerick McKinnon: 78
Jeff Wilson Jr: 66
A solid group of running backs could get even better if McKinnon is healthy. If he is, his rating could climb to the same range as Mostert and Coleman. Mostert is also one of the game’s fastest running backs with 95 speed and 92 acceleration.
Wide receivers
Deebo Samuel: 80
Dante Pettis: 77
Kendrick Bourne: 76
Travis Benjamin: 74
Trent Taylor: 74
Brandon Aiyuk: 72
Richie James Jr.: 71
Jalen Hurd: 68
Chris Thompson: 64
Jauan Jennings: 63
This group is an issue for the video game version of the 49ers. They need multiple players to step up enough in real life that it gives their collective Madden ratings a boost as well.
Tight ends
George Kittle: 98
Ross Dwelley: 65
Charlie Woerner: 63
Daniel Helm: 57
Kyle Nelson: 32
The top-heavy TE group in ‘Madden’ reflects the real-life situation for the 49ers. Kittle is the best player in the league at his position, but the depth behind him from a pass-catching perspective isn’t great. Long snapper Kyle Nelson is better than a 32 rating at snapping, but he gets rated as a TE.
Offensive line
Trent Williams: 92
Mike McGlinchey: 85
Weston Richburg: 79
Laken Tomlinson: 75
Ben Garland: 68
Tom Compton: 67
Justin Skule: 65
Daniel Brunskill: 62
Colton McKivitz: 61
Kofi Amichia: 59
Shon Coleman: 59
Jake Brendel: 56
Leonard Wester: 54
Jaryd Jones-Smith: 53
The 49ers’ offensive line depth is probably better than the game gives them credit for. Coleman was in line to snag the swing tackle job had he stayed healthy last year, and Brunskill might wind up getting the starting right guard spot.
Defensive line
Nick Bosa: 89
Arik Armstead: 86
Dee Ford: 85
Javon Kinlaw: 76
Solomon Thomas: 75
Ronald Blair: 73
Willie Henry: 73
DJ Jones: 72
Kerry Hyder: 69
Jullian Taylor: 65
Kentavius Street: 64
Alex Barrett: 63
Kevin Givens: 63
There’s a chance that by the end of this season Bosa is among the game’s top defensive ends. He’s a Defensive Player of the Year candidate after a dominant rookie campaign. Jones is probably underrated as well. It wouldn’t be a surprise if this group collectively sees a significant jump throughout the season.
Linebackers
Fred Warner: 87
Kwon Alexander: 82
Dre Greenlaw: 76
Mark Nzeocha: 66
Joe Walker: 65
Azeez Al-Shaair: 63
The 49ers might have the best starting linebacker trio in the league. Alexander and Greenlaw may both fall victim to ratings not accounting for their real-life impact. Both are very good in coverage, while Greenlaw is the best tackler of the group.
Cornerbacks
Richard Sherman: 92
K’Waun Williams: 76
Emmanuel Moseley: 75
Ahkello Witherspoon: 74
Jason Verrett: 74
Jamar Taylor: 70
DJ Reed: 69
Dontae Johnson: 65
Jermaine Kelly: 63
Tim Harris: 63
Sherman is one of the three best corners in the game, but Williams checking in at a 76 is pretty rough. He’s one of the NFL’s top slot corners and probably deserves a better rating. Whoever wins the starting job between Moseley and Witherspoon could see a bump up if they play well.
Safeties
Jimmie Ward: 83
Jaquiski Tartt: 81
Tarvarius Moore: 69
Derrick Kindred: 67
Marcell Harris: 67
The 49ers could use some improved safety depth, but Moore is probably better than a 69, and Harris is the team’s backup strong safety and should probably be a touch higher than Kindred.
Special teams
Robbie Gould: 82
Mitch Wishnowsky: 76
It’d be a plus for the 49ers if their two kickers played well enough to earn ratings jumps in ‘Madden.’ They’re probably rated properly for now.
