Madden ratings released for Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookies
By Cory Kinnan
Mike Edward
Just like Dean, Mike Edwards comes in rated as a 68 overall as well, but his individual trait ratings show a player who could be placed all over a defense, just as defensive coordinator intends to use him in real life. If you like using the big nickel packages on Madden (I personally use it as base), then Edwards would fit that nickel role stupendously.
His speed is at an 88, good enough to cover ground in Madden, and his strength is a 63; he may be on the weaker side for safeties, but his tackling rating of 66 and hit power of 74 more than compensate for that. Edwards’ man coverage skills are equivalent to Deans at 69, his zone coverage rating is listed at 67 and his press rating is at a 73.
In my dream Madden defense, I always deploy New York Giants’ safety Jabrill Peppers or the Kansas City Chiefs’ Tyrann Mathieu who are versatile against the pass in man and zone, and are also not much of a compromise against the run. Edwards appears to fit that mold as well.
Anthony Nelson
Edge rusher Anthony Nelson, the Buccaneers’ fourth-round pick is given a Madden rating of 66 overall as a rookie in this year’s game. His combination of speed and strength is set at a 78 and 76 respectively.
His tackling is set at 78, hit power at 80, and his block shedding at an 84. In my ideal Madden defensive scheme, Nelson would be moved to a 3-4 defensive end and used as a three-technique pass rusher. I tend to put longer edge rushers who probably aren’t a total fit for the edge into the interior of the defensive line; Nelson and teammate Carl Nassib fit this role well.