Irv Smith Jr. leads all Vikings rookies in Madden 20 ratings

The Minnesota Vikings were rated lightly in the first set of ratings dropped by Electronic Arts, but the former Alabama tight end looks like an impact player.

In the life of a Minnesota Vikings fan, the release of Madden NFL 20 means a couple of things. First, it represents one of the few (and perhaps only) chances to see the Vikings break through the NFC Championship and go to the Super Bowl. On the other hand, it also gives fans a legitimate offseason talking point as fan bases from all across the league bicker about how their players are rated by the legendary video game.

That debate kicked off on Monday morning as Electronic Arts dropped a small taste of what the game is going to be like when it released on August 2 by releasing their rookie rankings.

While the release is sure to trigger some excitement, it also may disappoint considering how low the Vikings are ranked.

Minnesota’s first-round pick, Garrett Bradbury, is expected to be a cornerstone of the revamped offensive line, but Madden doesn’t believe he’ll have an immediate impact. The North Carolina State product was given a 73 overall rating, but he owns an 89 strength rating and 84 acceleration rating that are sure to be even higher once he’s coached up in franchise mode.

What’s more interesting about Bradbury’s rating is that it’s not the highest among Minnesota’s rookies. That honor goes to second-round pick Irv Smith Jr., who is projected to be a new chess piece for the Vikings’ offense in 2019.

The Alabama product checks in with an overall ranking of 75 thanks to an 85 rating in speed and acceleration, meaning he should be able to stretch the virtual seams of opposing defenses.

Outside of the marquee picks, Minnesota’s 2019 draft class looks rather lackluster at the launch of the game.

Third-round running back Alexander Mattison owns an overall rating of 68 while fourth-round guard Dru Samia will need some more coaching to improve his 67 rating.

Other ratings that were dropped included sixth-round defensive tackle Armon Watts (66), seventh-round wide receivers Dillon Mitchell and Olabisi Johnson (64), fifth-round linebacker Cameron Smith (64), seventh-round safety Marcus Epps (62), seventh-round cornerback Kris Boyd (61), sixth-round right tackle Oli Udoh (60), and long snapper Austin Cutting (38).

While the Vikings are hoping for a big impact from their latest rookie class, Madden doesn’t seem to be a believer, which may not matter because — you know — it’s just a game.