Although the Los Angeles Rams ushered in some significant changes this offseason, defensive tackle Aaron Donald once again finds himself in familiar territory as part of the exclusive 99 Club on EA Sports’ Madden 21.
EA Sports recently rolled out their top-10 rankings by position that saw Donald featured as the highest-rated pass rusher in the game at 99 overall for the fourth consecutive year. He managed to edge out notable star edge rushers such as Houston Texans’ J.J. Watt (98), Chicago Bears’ Khalil Mack (97), and Denver Broncos’ Von Miller (97).
Donald was able to claim the top spot in a number of notable categories such as strength rating (99) and finesse moves (97). It is clear that the unparalleled blend of power and speed he has displayed on the field throughout the course of his illustrious career is once again well-reflected in the game, via Madden School:
For anyone claiming the Madden 21 leaks aren't accurate, go ahead and check out the time stamps and verify for yourself. pic.twitter.com/imacozQwt7
— Madden School (@Maddenschool) July 16, 2020
Although the ratings are subject to change throughout the course of the 2020 NFL season, there is good reason to believe that Donald will maintain his status given his track record as a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, five-time first-team All-Pro, and six-time Pro Bowler.
The only Rams player to join Donald with a plus-90 rating is Jalen Ramsey, who secured the No. 2 spot in the cornerback rankings at 94 overall. Meanwhile, the roster features a plethora of players with an 80 rating or better including punter Johnny Hekker (87), left tackle Andrew Whitworth (86) and safety John Johnson III (84), via Rams Brothers:
#LARams top-10 #Madden21 players:
[via @Maddenschool]
• Aaron Donald (99)
• Jalen Ramsey (94)
• Cooper Kupp (88)
• Johnny Hekker (87)
• Robert Woods (86)
• Andrew Whitworth (86)
• John Johnson III (84)
• Michael Brockers (83)
• Tyler Higbee (82)
• Samson Ebukam (80)— Rams Brothers (@RamsBrothers) July 15, 2020
Despite the departure of Brandin Cooks, Los Angeles still boasts one of the most talented receiver tandems in the league with Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods. Their status was somewhat reflected in the game with Kupp carrying an 88 overall rating and the underrated Woods at 86 overall.
Perhaps the most notable downplay on the Rams roster was quarterback Jared Goff being awarded a 76 overall rating by Madden. While Goff may be coming off a rocky 2019 campaign, it will be interesting to see if the two-time Pro Bowler is able to spur a major boost in his attributes by the time Week 6 rolls around.
A complete list of the Rams’ Madden 21 player ratings can be found HERE.
