The EA Sports rookie ratings are out for Madden 2020, and it isn’t looking too good for the Houston Texans.
While NFL experts nationwide blasted the Texans for their somewhat questionable draft choices, especially first-rounder Tytus Howard who many saw as a reach, it is clear to see that this sentiment is equally felt by the creators over at EA.
1st Round – Tytus Howard, OT, Madden Rating 67
Clearly, they aren’t overly convinced by the Alabama State offensive tackle, who comes out of this year’s ratings as the joint fifth highest rated offensive tackle taken. Jonah Williams (72), Jawaan Taylor (71), Andre Dillard (70), and Cody Ford (68) all rank above him.
He does, however, come top among Texans tookies among the awareness rankings with 70.
2nd Round – Lonnie Johnson, CB, Madden Rating 68
Houston’s second highest rated rookie, Johnson has big shoes to fill at cornerback after the departure of veteran Kareem Jackson. He ranks joint seventh at his position alongside Jamel Dean, Amani Oruwariye, and Kendall Sheffield.
He ranks top of all Texans rookies in acceleration with an impressive 91.
Johnson has already taken a swipe at EA for his rating in the tweet below:
2nd Round – Max Scharping, OT, Madden Rating 65
Another punch to the gut here for the Texans, the Northern Illinois offensive lineman has a good shot at making the starting lineup come Week 1, however, his rating doesn’t help boost his reputation much.
He finished joint sixth among offensive tackles taken this year along with Greg Little and Chuma Edoga.
3rd Round – Kahale Warring, TE, Madden Rating 70
Houston’s highest-rated rookie comes as somewhat of a surprise given his lack of experience in the sport. After impressing in Houston’s OTA’s, and with a huge athletic upside, Warring has clearly caught the eye of someone over at EA.
In what was an impressive rookie class at the position, Warring ranks sixth below T.J. Hockensen (77), Irv Smith (75), Noah Fant (74), Jace Sternberger (72), Josh Oliver and Drew Sample (Both 71).
5th Round – Charles Omenihu, ROLB, Madden Rating 62
Omenihu has all the measurables you could want in a player of his position. An extremely athletically capable player voted Big-12 Best Defensive Lineman of the Year for 2018, he is undoubtedly a work in progress who needs to work on his consistency among other elements.
However, 62 is perhaps a harsh rating for someone with his potential and college production levels.
6th Round – Xavier Crawford, CB, Madden Rating 64
Another work in progress, given how harsh the ratings have been this year this seems about right and was, to be honest, about what was expected given the trend. Crawford will likely not see too much of the field this year with so many veterans ahead of him on the roster.
EA clearly think his agility is worth keeping an eye on as he does rank top of all Texans rookies in this category with 88.
7th Round – Cullen Gillaspia, FB, Madden Rating 64
One of only two full backs to be launched in Madden this year, Gillaspia and Chandler Cox both have the same rating at 64. A versatile player with an impressive skill set, Gillaspia will be a big contributor on special teams and potentially spotted on offense.
Free Agents – Johnnie Dixon, WR, Madden Rating 66
An impressive rating for an undrafted free agent, EA clearly see eye to eye with many broadcasters who see Dixon as a good addition. Top of the Texans rookies in speed with 92, and second in acceleration with 90, he has a good chance to make the roster.
Free Agents – Albert Huggins, DT, Madden Rating 63
Not a mind-blowing rating here. However, he finishes top of all Texans rookies in strength with an impressive 90 and ultimately has a shot at making the roster as a backup.
Free Agents – Derrick Baity, CB, Madden Rating 58
Houston’s lowest-ranked rookie has poor awareness and strength ratings of 55 to thank for this, given that in speed, acceleration, and agility he is ranked rather well at 85, 89, and 84 respectively.
