Madden NFL 19 bestows Colts' Nelson with top grade among rookie class
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EA Sports released the initial player grades for the 2018 rookie class to be featured in Madden NFL 19 on Tuesday.
Indianapolis Colts left guard - and No. 6 overall pick - Quenton Nelson came in at No. 1 with a grade of 83 overall. His 97 grade for strength ranks second to all players in the game behind Ndamukong Suh.
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley drew an 82, Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield came in with an 81, matched by Chicago Bears middle linebacker Roquan Smith. Denver Broncos defensive end Bradley Chubb received an overall rating of 80 to round out the top five of the class.
Related: Madden hands out 99 rating to 7 stars
Here are the top five rookies at each of the key positions:
Quarterback
| Player | Team | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Baker Mayfield | Browns | 81 |
| Lamar Jackson | Ravens | 79 |
| Josh Rosen | Cardinals | 78 |
| Sam Darnold | Jets | 75 |
| Josh Allen | Bills | 74 |
Running back
| Player | Team | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Saquon Barkley | Giants | 82 |
| Derrius Guice | Redskins | 78 |
| Ronald Jones II | Buccaneers | 77 |
| Sony Michel | Patriots | 77 |
| Nick Chubb | Browns | 76 |
Wide receiver
| Player | Team | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| D.J. Moore | Panthers | 77 |
| Calvin Ridley | Falcons | 77 |
| Dante Pettis | 49ers | 76 |
| Courtland Sutton | Broncos | 75 |
| Anthony Miller | Bears | 74 |
Defensive
| Player | Pos. | Team | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roquan Smith | MLB | Bears | 81 |
| Bradley Chubb | DE | Broncos | 80 |
| Derwin James | SS | Chargers | 80 |
| Denzel Ward | CB | Browns | 80 |
| Vita Vea | DT | Buccaneers | 79 |