3 players possibly receiving a big ratings boost in Madden 20, according to EA

Still months out from Madden 20, EA gives us a glimpse of some players on the verge of a big overall ratings boost.

We’re still weeks, if not months, away from EA revealing Madden NFL 20, which is presumably what this year’s annual Madden installment will be numbered. But it’s never too early too look ahead, especially during this slow time in sports.

While App Trigger will be offering our own take on who Madden 20‘s top players should be, EA has gone ahead and given us a sneak peek at some “players to watch” for in this year’s game. This past week, EA revealed three players who are “on the verge of a huge overall boost next season.”

While it’s far too early to talk specifics in regards to each player’s individual attributes, EA did suggest that some of these players could “hit the 90 overall range.” So which three players from last season impressed EA enough to warrant a major overall boost in Madden 20?

Up first, we’ve got Chris Godwin. The second-year wide receiver out of Penn State had quite the jump in his sophomore season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2018, Godwin caught 59 passes for 842 yards, both major improvements over his rookie season. His seven touchdown receptions were second-most on the Buccaneers, behind only Mike Evans (86 rec., 1524 yds., 8 TDs). That’s some pretty good company to be in.

“He already has the base ratings of a solid WR, but where we will likely see improvement next season is his route running,” EA said of the 22-year old receiver. “Godwin is extremely versatile in that regard, so look for his OVR to climb as Adam Humphries is a free agent and it appears that DeSean Jackson wants out.”

The most shocking amongst the trio of players is the inclusion of Washington Redskins running back Derrius Guice. The former LSU running back was drafted by the Redskins in the second round after having his draft stock fall due to questions about his character and “other incidents” that took place during the pre-draft process.

Still, he was widely regarded as one of the top running backs of the 2018 class and he entered his rookie season with high expectations. Unfortunately, his rookie season ended before it even started; Guice tore his ACL in the first quarter of the first preseason game, effectively ending his season.

Without having put up any sort of stats during the regular season, what exactly is EA’s reasoning behind including him on the list? For starters, there’s this highlight from preseason.

“He’s got power, quickness, and is elusive. As a rookie in Madden 19, Guice had exceptional base ratings, including a 90 Speed, 93 Agility, 84 Break Tackle, and 91 Trucking. This is all paired with an 85 in Stiff Arm and Juke,” EA said of the former rookie, who has drawn comparisons to Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott.

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EA didn’t exactly say Guice would receive an automatic overall boost, but the developer does expect he’ll prove himself over the course of the season. A Redskins roster that lacks a quarterback will focus on a heavy ground game, EA figures, “which Guice will be a feasting on yards.” If that happens, he’s in line to be one of next season’s “big ratings leader in terms of overall climb,” EA added.

It’s worth mentioning that none of this is set in stone. The Madden games are updated on a weekly basis with player overalls adjusted according to how they perform in real life. EA is essentially predicting that these players will have big seasons which should translate to big overall increases.

Godwin and Golladay’s production in the 2018-19 season should at least warrant a higher starting overall for Madden 20, and while Guice could get a slight increase, it’s more likely that he’ll have to earn it on the field.

Madden NFL 20 hasn’t even been announced yet and probably won’t be revealed until May at the earliest. The game will likely release in mid- to late-August. In the meantime, let us know if you agree that these three players are deserving of a ratings boost in Madden 20?