With teams about to start training camp at the end of the month, football fans across the country are one step closer to watching their favorite teams compete in the 2016 NFL season. This also means that fans are closer to the release of EA Sports Madden NFL 17, which will be in stores on Aug., 23.
Prior to the popular video game's release, the EA Sports team released its anticipated player rankings this week. Fans of the San Francisco 49ers will be happy to get their opportunities to see what No. 99 can do in the team's uniform. The aforementioned player, first-round draft pick DeForest Buckner, found himself ranked 10th in the entire 2016 NFL Draft class for this upcoming game.
Buckner, the seventh overall pick in the NFL Draft, was given a 78 overall rating which is the second highest among defensive linemen behind third overall pick Joey Bosa of the San Diego Chargers. Buckner received a boost in the strength rating metrics. The 6-foot-7, 300-pound defensive lineman out of Oregon earned an 87 power rating, a tackle rating of 86 and a power move rating of 84. The 84 would have ranked third on the 49ers in last year's EA Madden NFL game. Buckner figures to be a force along the defensive line and a key player for the 49ers defense in 2016.
EA's release schedule of player ratings begins with the top rookies, and is then followed by the top 10 ranked players for each position and finally each team's rankings.
The rest of top 10 list of rookies included Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey, Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott, Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Roberto Aguayo, Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil, Tennessee Titans right tackle Jack Conklin, Cleveland Browns wide receiver and Chargers tight end Hunter Henry.
Watch as NFL rookies reacted to learning their EA Madden rankings.
