It’s no secret that this year’s class of NFL rookies features some of the more diverse talent in recent years. Whether you’re looking to bolster your defensive line in Madden NFL 23 with an elite edge rusher or put your offense on the map with a generational wide receiver. There’s plenty of exceptional options spread across various positions in the game.
Taking this into account, it’s time to break down the top 10 rookies in Madden NFL 23.
The Top 10 Rookies in Madden NFL 23
1) Jameson Williams (78), WR – Detroit Lions
The top spot gets locked down by easily the biggest deep threat in this year’s draft class, Jameson Williams. Who was a monster in his lone season at Alabama, breaking out for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns on just 79 catches. He was also a four-star prospect in 2019 and ranked the No. 18 wide receiver in his high school class. While other wide receivers have better technical ability in Madden NFL 23, Williams appears to be the most dangerous player at the position amongst rookies.
2) Jordan Davis (78), DT – Philadelphia Eagles
Next, we’ve got the big man who made waves at the 2022 NFL Combine, Jordan Davis. Despite not putting up overly impressive pass-rush numbers. He was an anchor for the Georgia Bulldogs’ nationa-championship defense last season as an elite run defender. Finishing with 90 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 7 sacks in his collegiate career. As one of the highest-rated rookies in Madden NFL 23, he should remain a force to be reckoned with along the defensive line.
3) Sauce Gardner (78), CB – New York Jets
Sauce Gardner was arguably the best defensive back in the entire draft, so, it’s no shock to see him land one of the better Madden NFL 23 rookie ratings. In his final season with the Bearcats in 2021, Gardner finished with 40 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks and 3 interceptions, including 4 pass deflections. Proving to be one of the most well-rounded DBs in college football and easily one of the best rookie talents entering the NFL. With strong all-around stats in Madden NFL 23, he will likely be one of the more highly sought after players in the game.
4) Aidan Hutchinson (77), LOLB – Detroit Lions
Now, this one comes as a slight shock. Despite being widely regarded as the most “NFL-ready” talent in the 2022 NFL Draft, Hutchinson lands fourth on the Madden NFL 23 rookie ratings list. Which is peculiar considering he was in the running for the Heisman Trophy last season, helping Michigan win the Big Ten and get into the College Football Playoff. Finishing the year with 62 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks and 3 pass deflections. Now, I do think his rating will climb over the course of the regular season but it’s still surprising to see him land below the 3 aforementioned names nonetheless.
5) Derek Stingley (77), CB – Houston Texans
At one point in time, Derek Stingley was considered to be the top prospect in college football. Unfortunately, the LSU star fell off a little bit due to some big injuries. Nevertheless, he’s a bonafide superstar and Madden NFL 23 has rewarded him as a result. In his first season with the Tigers in 2019, Stingley ended with 38 tackles, 6 interceptions and 15 pass deflections. He was also a five-star recruit in high school and the No. 2 ranked player in his class. If he plays up to his potential, he could easily be one of the better cornerbacks in Madden NFL 23.
Related: Best Quarterbacks in Madden NFL 23
6) Evan Neal (77), RT – New York Giants
Next up we have the behemoth of a man in Alabama’s Evan Neal. At 6’7” 350 pounds, it’s almost unfair to give the man a 77 OVR in Madden NFL 23 but that doesn’t mean it isn’t warranted. He was a five-star prospect in 2019, ranked as the No. 4 offensive tackle and No. 32 overall prospect in the country. Before then moving on to protest Heisman Trophy winner, Bryce Young’ on route to a 13-2 record for the Crimson Tide. With a strong launch rating and exceptional physical attributes, Evan Neal could end up being one of the more valuable players to snag in Madden NFL 23.
7) Kenneth Walker (77), RB – Seattle Seahawks
Kenneth Walker was an absolute stud at Michigan State in 2021. Where he ran for 1,636 yards (averaging over 6 yards per carry) along with 18 touchdowns. Finishing his collegiate career with 2,794 yards and 35 touchdowns respectively. He was widely regarded as the best or second-best RB in this year’s draft class, behind Breece Hall. Although, he’s got all the physical tools to become the bell cow for the Seahawks offense in 2022. Once again, it’s no surprise to see him land one of the better ratings in Madden NFL 23.
8) Garrett Wilson (76), WR – New York Jets
That’s right, the New York Jets have not one but two players land in the top ten amongst Madden NFL 23 rookie ratings. Wilson came into the NFL Draft as the most well-rounded wide receiver in this year’s class, which resulted in him being the second pass catcher taken off the board at No. 10 overall. In his final season at Ohio State, Wilson finished with 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns on just 70 catches, and 23 touchdowns total in his career with the Buckeyes. I expect his rating will rise as well over the course of the season but it’s still nice to see him land in the top 10 at launch.
9) Ikem Ekwonu (76), LT – Carolina Panthers
Widely regarded as the best pass-blocker in this year’s draft, it’s no wonder Ikem Ekwonu wound up with one of the better rookie ratings in Madden NFL 23. He’s a highly decorated and versatile offensive lineman who brought home second-team All-ACC honors at both guard and tackle positions in 2020. He’s a physical mauler with a nasty ability to knock his opponent’s off their feet. His physical traits appear to have carried over to Madden as well, with the young LT offering tremendous flexibility to play on either side of the line.
10) Travon Walker (76), LOLB – Jacksonville Jaguars
Last but not least we have the first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Travon Walker. Despite getting a modest 76 overall rating, I suspect his future is still bright in Madden NFL 23. In his three years with the Georgia Bulldogs, Walker finished with 62 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. He was also a five-star recruit in high school and is renowned for his unique blend of athleticism, strength and versatility. Which has bled into Madden with the young prospect landing one of the better rookie ratings in the game.
That’s everything you need to know about the top 10 rookies in Madden NFL 23. If you’re interested in more Madden content, be sure to check out our guides section here at Gamer Journalist. Where you can find information like the best offensive playbooks in Madden NFL 23 or how to stop the run in Madden NFL 23.
