It is almost time for the release of the latest edition of EA Sports Madden NFL series. In the buildup to the release, EA has begun releasing ratings for the top players at each position. And with running backs up, there is no doubt that Josh Jacobs will be at or near the top of the list.
Jacobs has been excellent since being drafted by the Raiders, but his fourth was the best by far. Jacobs led the NFL in rushing yards and total yards from scrimmage, making his second Pro Bowl while also being named a First Team All-Pro for the first time in his career.
So it should come as no surprise that Jacobs’ Madden rating reflects this. EA Sports released the ratings for the top-10 running backs, and the Raiders’ back has a 95 rating, ranking third amongst all running backs:
Jacobs trails just Cleveland Browns back Nick Chubb who received a 97 rating and Christian McCaffery of the San Francisco 49ers who has a 96. Both of them being ahead of the Raiders star makes some sense as while Jacobs was the best back last season, Chubb and McCaffery were excellent as well while also being amongst the top backs for the past few years as well.
The rest of the top five consists of Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans and Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants who is dealing with the same contract issue that Jacobs is going through with the Raiders. Both backs have yet to sign the franchise tender and were unable to get new long-term deals before the deadline passed. And Henry could be dealing with a similar situation when he hits free agency next year.
Rounding out the top 10 is Dalvin Cook, who was released by the Vikings and has yet to sign with a team, Austin Ekeler who recently re-worked his deal with the Chargers, Jonathan Taylor of the Colts, Tony Pollard of the Cowboys who is the one running back who has signed his franchise tender, and Aaron Jones of the Packers.
Madden clearly recognizes Jacobs as one of the best running backs in the NFL, and now the question remains of whether Jacobs will get paid like one. The two sides are apparently on good terms despite no new deal being reached, but everyone will be waiting anxiously to see when Jacobs is back on the field.
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