Madden NFL 20 recently released its initial player ratings as its release next month draws closer. It marks the first time in the iconic football video game for the Los Angeles Rams’ 2019-20 rookie class.
However, since the Rams are a veteran-heavy team who have not made a first-round NFL draft selection since Jared Goff in 2016, none of the fresh-faced Rams are rated very high. Running back Darell Henderson leads the group with a 72 overall rating.
Henderson turned heads at the University of Memphis for his elusiveness and speed, reflected in his acceleration rating of 95. He was selected in the third round and is expected to immediately get carries out of the Rams’ backfield alongside superstar Todd Gurley and backup Malcolm Brown.
Despite Gurley’s early-career success as one of the league’s best three-down backs, his arthritic knee could limit his workload and provide more opportunities for Henderson to shine. Gurley has also been mentoring Henderson, offering him advice during OTAs.
Cornerback David Long, selected nine picks after Henderson, is has the next-highest OVR at 69. Long is set to provide much-needed depth behind veteran stars Marcus Peters and Aquib Talib. Both Peters and Talib missed time due to injury in 2018, their first season with the Rams.
Safety Taylor Rapp, the Rams’ highest selection of the 2019 NFL draft, comes in after Long with a 68 OVR. After trading down twice, L.A. selected Rapp at 61st overall. Much like Long, Rapp will fill in behind two veteran teammates at the safety positions. In his case, those are third-year incumbent John Johnson III and free agent signee Eric Weddle.
Rapp was quick to praise both Weddle and Johnson shortly after being drafted. He called the opportunity to learn from them “the perfect situation” for him.
Rapp’s teammate since their time together at the University of Washington, Greg Gaines, was given a 67 OVR. Gaines, a defensive tackle, was a fourth-round selection by the Rams.
Henderson, Long, Rapp and Gaines all figure to see at least a bit of playing time in the upcoming season for the Rams. Besides those four, every other Rams rookie has an initial Madden 20 OVR of under 65.
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