Cleveland Browns: Baker Mayfield is highest rated rookie QB on Madden 19
By Ryan Rosko
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield is getting plenty of hype on Madden 19 but the rankings should be different.
If the Cleveland Browns remain committed to keeping Baker Mayfield on the bench all season, then the only way you will see him throw the pigskin is on Madden 19. Regardless of what happens on the field in real life, the reigning top pick is getting plenty of hype in the video game world.
EA Sports has started to unveil their top rookie player rankings which could use a change. Mayfield has an 81 overall ranking, which is good for third best in his rookie class. That 81 ranking makes him the highest rated rookie quarterback in this year’s game.
The following is part of Mayfield’s description as to why he is an 81:
"An 81 Speed doesn’t make Mayfield the fastest QB we’ve seen, but pair that with a 95 Throw Power, 88 Throw on the Run, and accuracy scores in the 80s at Short, Medium and Deep ranges means he’s not completely reliant on pocket protection to be a playmaker."
Some notable rookie quarterback ratings were close to Mayfield’s but others not so much. Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson has a 79, and the Arizona Cardinals’ Josh Rosen has a 78. Meanwhile, the New York Jets’ Sam Darnold has a 75 and the Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen has a 74.
Madden’s top five rookies should be up for debate. Now, all that were mentioned have a case to be listed in the top five but some of the rankings could be a bit generous.
Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson is the highest rated rookie with an 83 followed by New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley with an 82. With Nelson, Barkley, and Mayfield as the top three, EA Sports probably got it right but just not in the right order.
Following Mayfield was Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith, also at 81, before Denver Broncos defensive end Bradley Chubb wrapping up the top five at 80. If I could change one player from the top three it would be Nelson in favor of either Smith or Chubb. However, given the positions both of them play as well as Mayfield, their overall rankings should improve in no time.
Speaking of rankings, how is Nelson the top rookie? I understand he is a beast at guard but he does not play a cornerstone position and is not going to put up the stats others will.
For Mayfield, 81 is about what I expected and the explanation of his rating is fair. Doing what he did at Oklahoma is one thing. If/when he does what he did in college in the pros, the ability to move around and make plays will improve his value incredibly.
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If Mayfield is an 81, fellow Browns rookie Denzel Ward should not be too far behind. Given the rookie class Cleveland added as well as the veterans that were obtained via trade and free agency, the Browns have a pretty solid team to play with this season in the legendary NFL game.