Deebo Samuel’s historic 2022 season wasn’t enough to pump his rating in ‘Madden 23′ into the top 10 of wide receivers. Samuel’s rating in this year’s edition of the game is 88 to start the year.
The list of players ahead of Samuel features some players that should surely be in front of the 49ers’ First-Team All-Pro, but there’s a handful that aren’t better and don’t belong above him even in the initial ratings.
Here’s the top 10:
Davante Adams, 99
Cooper Kupp, 98
Tyreke Hill, 97
DeAndre Hopkins, 96
Stefon Diggs, 95
Justin Jefferson, 93
Mike Evans, 92
Terry McLaurin, 91
Keenan Allen, 91
Amari Cooper, 90
It can be argued that from a pure wide receiver perspective, that group might be more prototypical than Samuel. However, from a production and effectiveness standpoint, Samuel was better than at least the last seven of those players last year.
Madden ratings are calculated by certain attributes at certain positions, but an exception had to be made for Samuel given his after-the-catch ability and effectiveness as a running back.
Another year like last year should see Samuel’s rating climb significantly, especially if he replicates his first half where he had 49 catches for 882 yards and four touchdowns in the first eight games. Samuel is a very good receiver even if his Madden doesn’t reflect it yet.
