Breaking down each Steelers rookie ratings on Madden 20

Pittsburgh came away with what appeared to be a solid draft class this past April. Let’s break down each Steelers rookie Madden rating this year.

In the grand scheme of things, rookie Madden ratings shouldn’t have a huge barring on our lives. Still, I have to admit that I am interested in checking them out every year – if not only for the sole purpose of seeing how they treated the Steelers draft class.

Though Pittsburgh traded up to pick 10 to land Devin Bush, the Steelers weren’t treated kindly in the recent release of Madden ratings. Here’s a breakdown of each draft choice:

Devin Bush: 72 overall (2nd LB)

Devin Bush was the 7th overall player on my draft board this past April, so I was bummed to see that he was snubbed with a 72 Madden rating. Devin White (my 8th overall player in 2019) received a slightly better grade of 74, while Ben Burr-Kirven, Jahlani Tavai, and Drue Tranquill all tied for 3rd with a 69 overall grade.

Diontae Johnson: 69 overall (14th WR)

I’ll have to admit that I wasn’t the biggest Diontae Johnson fan coming into the draft, but to be ranked as the 14th best receiver is a shame. Even 5th round slot receiver, Hunter Renfrow, was ranked higher than Johnson. Let’s hope D.J. is on a mission to prove them wrong.

Justin Layne: 69 overall (7th CB)

This rating a little more reasonable, but still a tad underwhelming. Layne was (per value) my favorite pick the Steelers made in the 2019 NFL Draft. He’s a long gifted cornerback who I thought should have been off the board in the early 2nd round.

Benny Snell Jr.: 69 overall (8th RB)

I don’t know if it’s a good thing or a bad thing to have Johnson, Layne, and Snell all tied with a 69 overall grade. No big surprises here, as Snell is rated lower than the backs drafted before him. His rating ties Patriots running back, Damien Harris.

Zach Gentry: 63 overall (15th TE)

Gentry was not given a favorable grade here, and maybe he doesn’t deserve one. I still thought the Steelers 5th round draft choice of 2019 was picked too high. He comes in as just the 15th best rookie tight end on Madden this year.

Sutton Smith: 66 overall (11th OLB)

We still don’t know what position Sutton Smith will be playing for the Steelers this fall, but Madden has classified him as a right outside linebacker. His grade is reasonable considering how late he was drafted. He is ahead of Christian Miller and just below Anthony Nelson.

Isaiah Buggs: 63 overall (19th DE)

I don’t love that Buggs is classified as a defensive end on Madden (we have got to start getting this straight). He should not be compared to the likes of Nick Bosa or Josh Allen. Buggs is a defensive tackle, but regardless of where they put him, he comes in with just a 63 overall grade.

Ulysees Gilbert III: 62 overall (18th LB)

This is a solid grade for a player who was taken towards the end of the NFL Draft. Gilbert was the 3rd linebacker the Steelers drafted in 2019, and will be fighting for one of the final roster spots. Madden has him slotted just below Mack Wilson, but above Dakota Allen and tied with Tre Lamar.

Derwin Gray: 57 Overall (17th OT)

We can’t expect a great rating from a 7th round draft choice. Gray’s 57 overall comes as no surprise. He will be out to prove that his rating should climb mush higher than this.

It’s hard to take anything away from this, and I disagree with a lot things they do over at Madden (like not having an EDGE position instead of labeling players something they are not). Still, the ratings are what they are. If we see them climb during the season, perhaps that means that these rookies are doing something right.