The Game Haus will be analyzing the player ratings from Madden 21 of every NFL team. Madden has a daunting task of rating all NFL players and their attributes. While they have the ability to correct some of these rankings with in-season roster updates, there are some issues with some of the initial rankings of players. Here are the Madden 21 questionable ratings: Cleveland Browns.
Austin Hooper– 89
Austin Hooper had a breakout year with Atlanta back in the 2019 NFL season, being a focal point in the Falcons’ passing game. The pro bowl tight end remained consistent for the pass-heavy offense through the departure of Mohamed Sanu midseason and injuries of key contributors Calvin Ridley and Devonta Freeman. However, his production both last year and throughout his career does not warrant a top-five rating among tight ends in the game. Hooper caught six touchdowns and averaged just over 70 receiving yards a game, behind players such as Darren Waller in touchdowns and Mark Andrews in yards, both being at least four rating points behind him. Run Blocking is also a major weakness for Hooper, whose 56.2 run-blocking grade was the worst of his career per ProFootballFocus. Hooper deserves a high rating after ranking in the top ten in all major receiving statistics among tight ends, however, his ranking above certain tight ends warrants a minor reduction compared to where he is currently at.
Adjusted Rating- 86
Jack Conklin– 78
Another new acquisition for Cleveland, Jack Conklin has proven on a regular basis he is among the top right tackles in the NFL. The former Tennessee Titan earned first-team all-pro honors as a rookie, and was an integral component to the Titans’ six win improvement back in 2016. In 2017, however, Conklin tore his ACL in the divisional playoff round, leading to a sharp decline in play in 2018. Last season, however, it was quite apparent his decline was due to injury and not skill, as he vastly improved and once again was a key factor in Tennessee’s return to the playoffs in 2019. Jack Conklin is among the elite run blockers in the entire NFL, as Tennesse’s success in the run game has been directly correlated to Conklin’s health. Conklin currently sits as the 25th ranked offensive tackle in Madden 21, which is criminally underrated as proven by his career and short term success.
Adjusted Rating- 82
Olivier Vernon– 82
It has been quite apparent defensive end Olivier Vernon has dropped off into mediocrity after one single double-digit sack season with the Miami Dolphins seven years ago. Vernon has not been able to live up to his 85 million dollar contract he signed back in 2016 and has failed to be a legitimate threat as a pass rusher to partner with Myles Garrett. Vernon recorded a mere 3.5 sacks for Cleveland in 2019, his lowest total since his rookie year in 2012. It seems as if Madden 21 rating adjusters are still holding onto his above-average three-year stint with a struggling Miami Dolphins team from 2013-2015, as he has not have been a role player for the teams he has been on for half a decade.
Adjusted Rating- 77
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