Madden 25 player ratings: Revealing each position's top 10

Welcome back football! As teams return to the field this week for the start of training camp, gamers will soon return to the virtual gridiron as EA Sports' Madden 25 releases worldwide Aug. 16.

San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey earned his first ever Madden cover this year, and he became the second player announced this week for the 99 Club on Tuesday -- joiningMiami Dolphinswide receiverTyreek Hill.Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelcewas also named to the 99 Club on Thursday, making him the tight end with the most 99 Club inclusions in Madden history. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was also named to the 99 Club on Friday.

We're unveiling the top position ratings each day this week, along with more content on ESPN, ESPN.com and our social platforms.

Here are the top 10 by position:

WIDE RECEIVERS

1. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins (99 overall)

2. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings (98 overall)

3. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys (96 overall)

T4. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles (95 overall)

T4. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions (95 overall)

6. Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders (94 overall)

7.Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals (93 overall)

8. Stefon Diggs, Houston Texans (92 overall)

T9. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (91 overall)

T9. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers (91 overall)

The preeminent deep threat in the NFL, Hill leads all players with 99 speed and is the highest-rated route runner in the game with 98 deep, medium and short route running. He also becomes the first Dolphins player to have a 99 overall in Madden. Tight coverage might not be enough to stop Jefferson, given his catch in traffic (98) and spectacular catch (99) ratings. He also trails only Hill in short (97), medium (97) and deep (97) route running. The NFL's second-leading receiver from a season ago, Lamb ranks in the top-10 among receivers in deep (95), medium (94) and short (92) route running in his highest-ever ranking in Madden.

St. Brown makes his top-10 debut, and his catching (99) is the highest rating of any player in the game, and he's an effective short (96) and medium (96) route runner. Diggs was traded this offseason after four productive seasons in Buffalo, but his arrival in Houston makes the Texans one of the most interesting teams on both the real-life and virtual gridiron. He'll stretch the field with his medium (91) and deep (92) route running. Who knows where Aiyuk will play football this season, but he'll be a problem for whoever he lines up against in Madden 25 after a career-best 1,342 yards last season. His strength in Madden stems from his reliability; he has the third-highest catch rating (98).

Dropped out from last year's rankings: Cooper Kupp (T-4), DeAndre Hopkins (No. 7), Terry McLaurin (No. 8), Amari Cooper (T-9)

SAFETIES

1.Jessie Bates III, Atlanta Falcons (97 overall)

2.Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers (94 overall)

3.Minkah Fitzpatrick,Pittsburgh Steelers (93 overall)

T4.Derwin James Jr., Los Angeles Chargers (91 overall)

T4. Tyrann Mathieu, New Orleans Saints (91 overall)

6. Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals (90 overall)

T7.Kevin Byard III, Chicago Bears (89 overall)

T7. Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens (89 overall)

T9. Talanoa Hufanga, San Francisco 49ers (88 overall)

T9. Jevon Holland, Miami Dolphins (88 overall)

The top safety in the game, Bates gets a large bump from his 91 overall at last year's launch. He is as good as it gets in essentially every major category, leading all safeties in pursuit (93) and zone coverage (96), and trailing only Mathieu in man coverage (86). Winfield earned himself a new deal this offseason and a career-high Madden rating, as he gets a sizable bump from his 87 overall at last year's launch. He's relentless with a 92 pursuit rating, second highest among safeties, and is reliable in both man (82) and zone (90) coverage.

Fitzpatrick maintains his 93 overall rating from last year's launch and is a monster in zone coverage (95), trailing only Bates in that category among safeties. Mathieu ranks in the top 10 among safeties in catching (82), man coverage (88), zone coverage (86) and pursuit (87) -- making him a well-rounded option at the position. Holland earns his first top-10 ranking and is among the best at his position in zone coverage (90) and man coverage (84).

Dropped out from last year's rankings:Justin Simmons(No. 3), Kevin Byard(No. 4),Jordan Poyer(No. 7),Harrison Smith(No. 9),Micah Hyde(No. 10)

RUNNING BACKS

1. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers (99 overall)

2. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns (96 overall)

3. Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens (94 overall)

4. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles (92 overall)

5. Joe Mixon, Houston Texans (91 overall)

6.Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (90 overall)

7. Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers (89 overall)

T8. Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks (88 overall)

T8. Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings (88 overall)

10. Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs (87 overall)

McCaffrey, the cover star, should drive defenses crazy with his 94 juke move rating and 93 change of direction. As the second member revealed for the 99 Club, he gets a boost from his 96 overall rating at last year's launch to top his position group. Chubb drops one spot in the position rankings, but you still had better fly to the ball when you play against him; his break tackle rating (99) is the highest in the game for the second year in a row, while his carrying (97) and stiff-arm (96) give him an advantage in short-yardage situations. Henry's 99 stiff-arm will put defenders on a highlight (or lowlight?) reel, and his high break tackle (94) feels accurate for one of the toughest players in the NFL to tackle. As if the Eagles' offense needed another superstar, Barkley's high spin move (89) and juke (92) ratings will be good for getting out of trouble quickly.

Mixon returns to the top 10 after missing out last year and has the highest carrying rating (98) of his position group. Walker (94 speed) is one of the premier home run hitters at the position and also ranks seventh in change of direction (90). You had better break down when pursuing Jones (93), Etienne (91) and Mixon (91), as their high juke rating will leave defenders stumbling to the ground. Jacobs stays in the top 10 for the second year in a row, although his rating drops six points from a 95 overall. His stiff-arm (90) and break tackle (91) will make him difficult to bring down.

Pacheco's wrecking ball running style should translate to Madden with 93 speed, 95 acceleration and 95 carrying -- both top-10 figures among all running backs.

Dropped out from last year's rankings: Dalvin Cook (No. 6), Austin Ekeler (T-7), Jonathan Taylor (T-7), Tony Pollard (T-9)

DEFENSIVE LINE

1. Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs (97 overall)

2. Dexter Lawrence II, New York Giants (95 overall)

3. Quinnen Williams, New York Jets (94 overall)

4. Justin Madubuike, Baltimore Ravens (91 overall)

5. Derrick Brown, Carolina Panthers (90 overall)

6. Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers (90 overall)

7. Vita Vea, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (90 overall)

8. Jonathan Allen, Washington Commanders (89 overall)

9. Christian Wilkins, Las Vegas Raiders (88 overall)

10. Cameron Jordan, New Orleans Saints (87 overall)

The three highest-rated defensive linemen remain exactly the same from a year ago. Now, it should be noted that the defensive line doesn't include edge rushers that play along the line. Jones gets a plus-1 upgrade from his rating at last year's launch and ranks in the top 10 among all defensive linemen in block-shedding (88), strength (96) and tackle (91). At 6-foot-6, 310 pounds, he's a one-man wrecking crew against the run and pass. Lawrence (6-4, 340 pounds) is another massive presence in the middle of the trenches and is tied with Jones for the fourth-highest strength rating (96). He also ranks seventh in tackle rating (92) and 10th in block-shedding (86).

Williams also gets a plus-1 boost from his 93 overall last year. The Jets star owns the highest block-shedding rating (93) among all linemen and is a reliable tackler (93). After a 13-sack season in 2023, Madubuike gets a plus-13 to his overall ranking and rockets into the top 10 as the highest-rated newcomer. He is tied with Brown for the highest tackle rating (96) of any defensive lineman, and is sixth in strength (95).

Brown (98) and Vea (98) are tied for the highest strength rating of their position group. Allen's overall rating decreased by three from last year but his tackle rating (95) remains the same. Wilkins' overall rating improves by 2 from Madden 24, after a career-best 9 sacks in 2023.

Dropped out from last year's rankings: Jeffery Simmons (No. 6),DJ Reader(No. 8), DeForest Buckner (No. 10)

OFFENSIVE LINE

1. Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers (99 overall)

2. Zack Martin, Dallas Cowboys (97 overall)

3. Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions (96 overall)

T4. Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles (95 overall)

T4. Tyron Smith, New York Jets (95 overall)

T6. Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (94 overall)

T6. Laremy Tunsil, Houston Texans (94 overall)

T6. Chris Lindstrom, Atlanta Falcons (94 overall)

9. Frank Ragnow,Detroit Lions(93 overall)

T10. Terron Armstead, Miami Dolphins (92 overall)

T10. Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs (92 overall)

There was significant movement among offensive linemen on the Madden 25 leaderboard, starting with a new leader in Williams. He's up from his 98 overall rating in Madden 24, and he is the strongest player in the game (98) and is tied with Sewell as the game's top run blocker (98). Martin is no longer in the 99 Club but ranks in the top five in strength (96), run blocking (94) and pass blocking (95). Smith makes a triumphant return to the top 10 after ranking 17th at last year's launch. His pass blocking (96) is tied with Tunsil and Johnson for highest in the game.

Armstead earns a slight bump from his 91 overall at last year's launch to reenter the top 10, and is one of the game's best pass blockers (93). Wirfs snuck into the top 10 last year but is firmly among the elite in Madden 25 on the strength of his pass blocking (94). Lindstrom is one of the best run blockers (96) in the game, while Ragnow is right behind him (95).

Dropped out from last year's rankings: Joel Bitonio (No. 6), Quenton Nelson (No. 8), Jason Kelce (No. 9), Andrew Thomas (No. 10)

EDGE RUSHERS

T1. Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns (98 overall)

T1. Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys (98 overall)

T3. T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers (97 overall)

T3. Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders (97 overall)

5. Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers (96 overall)

T6. Josh Hines-Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars (91 overall)

T6. DeMarcus Lawrence, Dallas Cowboys (91 overall)

8. Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers (90 overall)

T9. Alex Highsmith, Pittsburgh Steelers (89 overall)

T9. Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals (89 overall)

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Garrett shares top honors for the second year in a row -- this time with Parsons. Garrett owns the highest power moves rating (98) in the game, but he's also top 10 in finesse moves (91), block-shedding (90), tackle (92), hit power (84), play recognition (91) and speed (87). There is no faster edge rusher than Parsons (91 speed), and the Cowboys superstar ranks highly in play recognition (96), power moves (89), finesse moves (96) and tackle (89).

Right behind them is Watt, who moves up one spot from last year's rankings and earns a plus-3 to his overall rating. He has the best play recognition (98) of any edge rusher, so play-action, draws or options won't fool him. Watt can beat his assignment with finesse (96) or power (87) moves and won't have much trouble shedding his block (89). Crosby mirrors Watt's upward trajectory and also receives a plus-3 from his overall rating at last year's launch. His play recognition (97) trails only Watt's, but he is the highest-rated tackler in his position group (97). Bosa was last year's highest-rated edge rusher, alongside Garrett, but he has the highest finesse move rating (98) in the game.

Hines-Allen is a newcomer to the top 10 after posting a 17.5 sack season in 2023, while Mack makes his return after a yearlong absence. Lawrence forms the best pass rush duo in the game alongside Parsons and is tied with his teammate for the third-highest play recognition rating among their position group. Highsmith and Hendrickson both make their debuts to round out the initial top 10.

Dropped out from last year's rankings: Von Miller (No. 4), Joey Bosa (No.7), Haason Reddick (T-8), Matthew Judon (No. 10)

TIGHT ENDS

1. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs (99 overall)

2. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers (97 overall)

3. Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens (94 overall)

4. T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings (91 overall)

5. David Njoku, Cleveland Browns (90 overall)

6.Evan Engram,Jacksonville Jaguars(88)

7.Sam LaPorta,Detroit Lions(86)

8.Dallas Goedert,Philadelphia Eagles(85)

9.Dalton Schultz,Houston Texans(84)

10.Cole Kmet,Chicago Bears(83)

Kelce is the best player and route-runner of his position group on all three levels. He pairs that route-running with the highest spectacular catch rating (93) of any tight end. Kelce owns the honor of the most inclusions in the 99 Club of any tight end in Madden history. Kittle is right outside of the 99 Club and receives a plus-1 from his rating at last year's launch. He ranks in the top 10 of every major pass-catching category for his position group and is the fastest member of the top 10 tight ends (88 speed). Andrews is the best route runner of any tight end not named Kelce, trailing only the position leader in short, medium and deep route running.

Hockenson retains his spot at No. 4 to keep the top four from last year's group intact. He has the third-highest catch in traffic rating (88) of any tight end -- although he should have plenty of space around him in an offense with receivers likeJeffersonandJordan Addison. Engram receives a plus-4 boost from his rating in Madden 24 after setting career highs in Jacksonville last season with 114 catches and 963 yards. LaPorta set an NFL record for rookie tight ends with 85 catches and the plus-16 boost to his overall rating reflects that. His short route running (82) is the fifth best of any tight end.

Dropped out from last year's rankings:Kyle Pitts(No. 6), Darren Waller (No. 7),Pat Freiermuth(No. 8)

CORNERBACKS

1. Sauce Gardner, New York Jets (97 overall)

2. Jalen Ramsey, Miami Dolphins (96 overall)

3.Pat Surtain II, Denver Broncos (95 overall)

4. Jaire Alexander, Green Bay Packers (93 overall)

5. L'Jarius Sneed, Tennessee Titans (92 overall)

T6. Charvarius Ward, San Francisco 49ers (91 overall)

T6. Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens (91 overall)

T8. Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns (90 overall)

T8. Trent McDuffie, Kansas City Chiefs (90 overall)

T8. Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints (90 overall)

Gardner gets a plus-4 to his overall rating from last year's launch and is the best player in the game at both man coverage (98) and zone coverage (98), and he leads all cornerbacks in play recognition (98). Ramsey was the highest-rated cornerback for the past three years but doesn't fall far from the top, coming in at No. 2. The Dolphins' star ranks in the top 5 in catching, zone coverage and play recognition, and he trails only Gardner in man coverage (97). Surtain's rating increased by one from last year's launch, but he's the third-best cornerback in the game for the second year in a row. Only Gardner has better play recognition than Surtain (97), who also ranks in the top five in both man and zone coverage.

Alexander dropped two spots from last year, but he's still sticky in man coverage (95). Sneed is one of the largest risers in this year's top-10, receiving a plus-8 overall from last year's launch. His strength lies in his play recognition (95), where he owns the fourth-highest rating of any cornerback. Charvarius Ward gives the 49ers yet another top-10 player at his position and trails only Gardner in zone coverage (95) and play recognition (97).

Humphrey, Lattimore and Denzel Ward are mainstays from last year's top 10 while McDuffie makes his debut. The Chiefs' All-Pro excels at man coverage (91) and sports a high play recognition rating (92).

Dropped out from last year's rankings: Darius Slay (No. 6), Stephon Gilmore (No. 7), Tre'Davious White (T-8)

QUATERBACKS

1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (99 overall)

2. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (98 overall)

3. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (93 overall)

4. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (92 overall)

5. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (90 overall)

6. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins (88 overall)

7. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (87 overall)

8. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (86 overall)

9.Brock Purdy,San Francisco 49ers (85 overall)

10. Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons (84 overall)

Who else but Mahomes? The two-time reigning Super Bowl MVP is yet again the top-rated quarterback in the game earning his fourth invitation to the 99 club in the past five seasons. He's now tied with Tom Brady for the second-most 99 ratings in Madden history, and he is this year's final member of the five-man 99 Club. He's the best in the game at throwing under pressure (98) and on the run (98), and he owns the second-strongest arm (97 throw power).

Jackson receives a massive plus-7 overall ratings boost after winning his second MVP last season and ranks in the top three in short and medium accuracy and is tied with Mahomes for the best throw on the run rating. To little surprise, he's also the fastest quarterback in the game (95), and he is just outside the top 10 for fastest players, regardless of position.

Burrow drops a spot in the quarterback rankings after an injury-plagued 2023 season, but he leads all passers in short (99) and medium (96) throw accuracy. His 92 deep accuracy means he can pick a defense apart on all three levels of the field. Allen yet again has the strongest arm in the game (99 throw power), although he dropped a spot in the quarterback rankings and falls short of his 94 overall rating at last year's launch. He retains his 88 speed, the 10th highest of any quarterback and can throw on the run (95) better than most players at his position. Prescott gets a plus-3 from his 87 overall rating last year to move into the top five. He has the second-best deep accuracy rating (93) of any passer this year and is in the top 10 in every major passing category.

Tagovailoa led the NFL in passing yards last season and is one of the most accurate passers in the game -- he's top 10 in short (96), medium (90) and deep (91) accuracy. Herbert and Hurts each fell just short of their ratings from last year's launch but remain in the top 10. Herbert's 96 throw power is fourth-highest and Hurts' 89 speed is seventh fastest of any quarterback. Purdy gets a plus-11 from his overall rating last year while Cousins leads all players in deep throw accuracy (94).

Dropped out from last year's rankings: Aaron Rodgers (No. 8)

OFF-BALL LINEBACKER

1. Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers (97 overall)

2. Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens (95 overall)

3.Demario Davis, New Orleans Saints (92 overall)

T4. Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (90 overall)

T4. C.J. Mosley, New York Jets (90 overall)

6. Foyesade Oluokun, Jacksonville Jaguars (89 overall)

T7. Dre Greenlaw, San Francisco 49ers (87 overall)

T7. Matt Milano, Buffalo Bills (87 overall)

T7. Bobby Wagner, Washington Commanders (87 overall)

10. Bobby Okereke, New York Giants (86 overall)

While some linebackers fall into the edge rusher category, is it a shock that another 49er is among the best at their position? Sure, why not! Warner is the highest-rated linebacker in the game for the second year in a row and forms the best linebacker tandem in the game with Greenlaw. He will be relentless in tracking down ball carriers with the highest pursuit rating (99) in the game and third-fastest speed rating (88) among linebackers. Smith earns a plus-4 to his overall rating from a season ago and owns the highest tackle rating of any linebacker (98) and second-highest pursuit rating (97). The ageless Davis (35) received a plus-5 from his rating in Madden 24 and is tied for the third-highest speed rating. He is a reliable tackler (93), as well.

Another ageless wonder, David continues to perform at age 34. He fell short of his 91 overall rating from a season ago but is still one of the top tacklers (93) in the game. Mosley earns a plus-5 from last year's launch and is the fourth-best tackler in the game (96). His high pursuit rating (93) ensures he won't give up on a play easily and will be difficult to get away from. Milano was injured for most of last season and comes just short of his 88 overall rating in Madden 24, but he's still one of the fastest linebackers in this year's version (87). Wagner is tied with Smith for the highest tackle rating among any linebacker and remains in the top 10 as he debuts for the Commanders this season.

Dropped out from last year's rankings: Tremaine Edmunds (No. 6), Nick Bolton (No. 7), Shaquille Leonard (No. 9), Eric Kendricks (No. 10)