In the wake of Madden NFL 19, which is set to be released on August 10, Electronic Arts unveiled the top ratings for a few positions from this year’s rookie draft class.
While quarterback Baker Mayfield, running back Saquon Barkley and linebacker Roquan Smith scored the top spot in their respective roles, Calvin Ridley had the second-highest rating among wide receivers at 77 overall.
The former Alabama star and first-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons fell behind D.J. Moore – who also had a 77 overall but had some higher numbers in other areas.
Ridley, who signed his four-year, $10.9 million deal Wednesday, finished second all-time in almost every major receiving category in Crimson Tide history. He collected 224 receptions for 2,781 yards with 19 touchdowns in three seasons. Hailing from Coconut Creek, Fla., the once five-star recruit brought in 89 catches for 1,045 yards and seven scores as a freshman in 2015.
Ridley led the team in receiving in 2017 with 63 receptions for 967 yards and five touchdowns, helping the program win its second national championship of the College Football Playoff era.
The combination of he with Julio Jones, Mohamed Sanu, Devonta Freeman, Austin Hooper and Matt Ryan should mean a Super Bowl push for the Falcons. After having the National Football League’s best offense in 2016, Atlanta took a step back last season. Ridley is set to make sure that does not happen again, as he could turn in a 1,000-yard campaign in the coming fall.
Per an article from EA sports, listed below were Ridley’s rankings.
Overall – 77
Agility – 95
Speed – 93
Acceleration – 93
Juke – 91
Catching – 81
Catching in Traffic – 78 (lowest)
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
