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Madden 22: Myles Garrett, Khalil Mack lead the top edge rushers

By Matthew Liebl

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 03: Defensive end Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns runs a play during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Steelers 24-22. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 03: Defensive end Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns runs a play during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Steelers 24-22. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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If you’re to have success on defense in Madden 22, you’re going to need to pressure the quarterback. The best way to do so is with a solid defensive line. Earlier today, EA revealed the top defensive linemen in Madden 22 at launch. Now we’ve got the best edge rushers, which encompasses defensive ends and outside linebackers.

  1. Myles Garrett, RE (Cleveland Browns) – 98 overall
  2. Khalil Mack, LOLB (Chicago Bears) – 96 overall
  3. T.J. Watt, LOLB (Pittsburgh Steelers) – 94 overall
  4. Chandler Jones, LOLB (Arizona Cardinals) – 94 overall
  5. J.J. Watt, LE (Arizona Cardinals) – 94 overall
  6. Cameron Jordan, LE (New Orleans Saints) – 93 overall
  7. Von Miller, LOLB (Denver Broncos) – 93 overall
  8. Joey Bosa, LOLB (Los Angeles Chargers) – 92 overall
  9. Nick Bosa, RE (San Francisco 49ers) – 90 overall
  10. Za’Darius Smith, LOLB (Green Bay Packers) – 89 overall

I actually had Myles Garrett as a possible member of the 99 Club in Madden 22 but it looks like he’ll begin the season with where he left off last year. His 12 sacks and 48 total tackles got him to a 98 overall rating which leads me to question what more he has to do to get that extra one point?

J.J. Watt has finally fallen from his mantle. The veteran linebacker was rated a 98 overall to begin last season, which many thought was overrated given his drop off in production the past two season. After an injury-plagued 2019 season, Watt managed to play in 16 games last year but only recorded 5 sacks. Now 32-years-old and with a history of injuries, Watt has fallen a bit in the ratings, although he’s still a top five edge rusher. I still think he’s a tad bit overrated but the weekly roster updates should address that.

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But while J.J. Watt has dropped, his brother T.J. Watt has made quite a leap. After starting last season with an 86 overall, the Steelers Outside Linebacker is now rated a 94 overall. Many consider T.J. Watt to be one of, if not the best, linebacker in the NFL. He’s recorded double-digit sacks the past three seasons in a row, including a career-high 15 last year.

Although T.J. Watt has the more impressive stats line when compared to Khalil Mack, I believe EA is taking experience into consideration. Khalil Mack has been atop the game and been consistently dominant for seven seasons now. I think with another strong year under his belt, T.J. Watt could find himself with another overall boost.

Check out some other Madden 22 ratings revealed so far:

Do you agree with the edge rusher ratings in Madden 22 at launch? Sound off in the comments below!

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