Madden 19: 7 Rookies who deserved more rankings love

6. Jaire Alexander, CB, Green Bay Packers 

There’s arguably no better cover corner than Jaire Alexander. Denzel Ward (80) was drafted before him by the Browns. However, Alexander is physical in every facet of the word. When asked to press he hands strong hands, powerful punch and exceptional feet.

On intermediate and deep routes, there’s no difference in the way he covers. He’s a sticky corner who shadows routes like a receiver. Alexander doesn’t allow receivers to get away from him because of his aggressiveness. When playing man, he does a great job. Need him to play zone coverage, he nails it. During the Combine he looked fantastic, displaying quick feet, smooth movement and explosiveness. 

The knock on his tape came after a knee injury. Additionally, Alexander has fantastic speed (4.38-second 40) and adds value as a return man. The Green Bay Packers selected him because he is their type of corner. When asked to play the ball in the air, he’s second to no one. He has hands like a wide receiver with great ball skills and leaping ability, and Madden 19 should recognize that.

Suggested Overall Rating: 80

5. Da’Ron Payne, DL, Washington Redskins

Vita Vea leads all defensive tackles on Madden with a 79 overall rating. However, Da’Ron Payne was taken as the No. 13 overall pick for one simple reason: dominance. Thus, his overall rating should parallel Vea’s. Alabama’s scheme limited Payne to just playing at the nose. So, when the draft process rolled, around he was viewed in that regard. Still, Payne is more than that and his tape is that of a flashy player. He is capable of much more than just stuffing the run. 

When you watch Payne, he jumps of the screen. Despite being over 300 pounds, he moves with fluidity and explosiveness. He has a fantastic first step and it showed at the Combine when he ran a 4.9-secon 40. There’s no defensive tackle more athletic than Payn,e which makes him one of the best in the entire draft class.

Still, Payne’s athleticism isn’t his best asset. He excels at defeating blockers, especially one-on-one. He was impossible to move, destroying double teams in college. He’s built like a truck, compact and powerful with great play strength. He wasn’t a pass rusher much in college, but the way he gets skinny in addition to his quickness adds value and potential there.

Suggested Overall Rating: 79