Madden 21: 8 NFL players who deserve a 99 rating

4. Michael Thomas, WR, New Orleans Saints

Thomas was one of the players who earned a 99 rating on Madden last season. That stands to reason as the New Orleans Saints star is coming off of a 2019 season in which he set the single-season NFL receptions record. He’s been a monster for the majority of his career and, while being targeted incessantly by Drew Brees helps him, the fact that he’s been able to produce at the level he has makes him worthy of his video game rating.

What’s interesting with Thomas in Madden terms, though, is that the Saints superstar isn’t necessarily made for video games. He doesn’t have great speed, isn’t someone who “Mosses” defenders routinely or makes spectacular catches. Instead, he’ll likely have elite route running, awareness and catching ratings, which should be enough to get him to a 99 overall still.

3. Aaron Donald, DT, Los Angeles Rams

As anyone who plays Madden routinely will tell you, there’s nothing quite like having a game-wrecker on the defensive line. That’s what Aaron Donald has been in real life and, as a member of the 99 Club in last year’s iteration of the game, he’s going to be that for the new version as well.

Over the past three seasons, Donald has totaled 44 sacks and 60 tackles for loss. A five-time All-Pro selection, the Rams defensive tackle is one of the greatest pass-rushers from the defensive tackle spot that we’ve ever seen.

There are a litany of great defensive lineman and edge rushers who will be rated highly in the new game. Donald, however, is the guy who needs to be the only one with a 99 rating.