MORE: ‘Madden’ Russell Wilson looks nothing like real thing Rookie quarterbacks have generally been rated lower than other positions that may have easier transitions to the NFL from college. Lower ratings in categories such as Awareness play a big role in that trend. Quarterbacks have to get on the field and prove themselves, but they benefit from playing the position that can produce the most highlights — and stats — to result in a rise in ratings over the course of a season.
Despite his lower Overall rating, Murray will be a big threat right out of the gate. He has 91 Speed, 92 Acceleration, 90 Agility, 89 Throw Power and 87 Throw on the Run. The second-highest-rated rookie is Ed Oliver of the Bills. He comes in at 79 Overall, ahead of his draft position of 9th. Nick Bosa, selected second by the 49ers, ranks third at 78 Overall. One name rated well above his draft position is Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, who was taken 64th but boasts a 76 Overall rating that ranks him tied for seventh among rookies. Players with impressive physical and athletic attributes have an advantage in ratings, as those have already been demonstrated without having play a single down. At receiver, Metcalf has 95 Speed (second), 94 Jumping (second), 93 Acceleration (third), 80 Stiff Arm (first), 77 Strength (first), and 68 Trucking (first). Others who jumped beyond their slots include Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. (taken 50th — 75 Overall) and receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside of the Eagles (drafted 57th — 73 Overall). Marquise “Hollywood” Brown is the fastest rookie with a Speed rating of 97. Metcalf, Mecole Hardman, and Andy Isabella are next at 95.
