Does being drafted first automatically make you the best rookie in Madden NFL 27? Not this year. EA Sports has officially released the rookie ratings for the 2026 draft class, and the biggest surprise is that No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza isn't even close to the top of the list. Instead, a running back and a safety share the highest overall rating. Whether you're planning to Madden 27 coins, searching for buy Mut 27 coins, or building your Ultimate Team from day one, understanding these rookie ratings can help you make smarter roster decisions.
The Top 10 Rookie Ratings Everyone Is Talking About
EA Sports officially revealed the Madden NFL 27 rookie ratings on July 28, and the rankings feature several unexpected names at the top.
Leading the class are Jeremiyah Love (Arizona Cardinals, RB) and Caleb Downs (Dallas Cowboys, S), both earning an impressive 82 Overall. They are followed by David Bailey (New York Jets, EDGE) at 81, while Rueben Bain Jr. (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, DE/LB) rounds out the top four with an 80 Overall.
The remaining top ten includes Arvell Reese (New York Giants, LB), Mansoor Delane (Kansas City Chiefs, CB), Akheem Mesidor (Los Angeles Chargers, DE), Spencer Fano (Cleveland Browns, OT), Malachi Lawrence (Dallas Cowboys, EDGE), and Francis Mauigoa (New York Giants, OT).
One interesting trend is that both the Cowboys and Giants placed two rookies inside the Top 10, highlighting the strength of their 2026 draft classes.
Key Takeaways:
Jeremiyah Love and Caleb Downs lead all rookies with 82 Overall.
Cowboys and Giants each have two players in the Top 10.
Several defensive standouts rank ahead of premium offensive positions.
Value for You: Perfect for Ultimate Team players, Franchise fans, and NFL followers. You'll identify the highest-rated rookies early and make better roster-building decisions.
Why Love and Downs Earned the Highest Ratings
Jeremiyah Love enters Madden NFL 27 after an outstanding college career at Notre Dame. During the 2025 season, he rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning the prestigious Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back.
Caleb Downs was equally dominant on defense at Ohio State. He captured both the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation's best defensive back, and the Lott Trophy, recognizing the country's top defensive player. His selection by the Dallas Cowboys, who traded up to draft him, has already been praised as one of the biggest steals of draft day.
Key Takeaways:
Love dominated college football as an elite running back.
Downs entered the NFL as one of the nation's most decorated defenders.
Both players arrive with proven production and immediate impact potential.
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Why Is No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza Only a 74?
The biggest headline isn't who ranked first—it's who didn't.
Fernando Mendoza, selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, received only a 74 Overall, ranking 49th among all rookies. He even trails two of his own teammates in the rookie ratings.
EA Sports likely took a cautious approach for several reasons. Quarterback is the NFL's toughest position, and many highly drafted quarterbacks have struggled during their rookie seasons. Reports also suggest veteran Kirk Cousins could begin the season as the Raiders' starter, giving Mendoza time to develop instead of carrying the offense immediately.
There's also recent precedent. Last year's No. 1 overall pick, Cam Ward, entered Madden with only a 72 Overall, one of the lowest ratings for a top pick in more than two decades. By comparison, Mendoza's 74 Overall actually represents a slight increase.
His individual attributes include:
Speed (SPD): 84
Agility (AGI): 84
Change of Direction (COD): 80
Injury (INJ): 94
Awareness (AWR): 75
A lower rookie rating doesn't guarantee a disappointing NFL career. Recent quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud and Jayden Daniels also began Madden with ratings in the 70s before proving themselves on the field.
Value for You: Ideal for Franchise Mode players and long-term team builders. You'll look beyond Overall ratings and make smarter development decisions.
Rookie Ratings Are Only the Beginning
Remember, Madden ratings are never permanent. EA Sports regularly updates player ratings throughout the NFL season based on real-life performances, meaning today's underrated rookie could become tomorrow's superstar.
If you're playing Franchise Mode, don't judge players solely by their Overall rating. Consider depth charts, playing opportunities, and long-term potential. Ultimate Team players should also watch the market carefully—high-rated rookie cards like Love and Downs could become expensive early in the season.
Whether you agree with EA's rankings or not, one thing is certain: the real answers will come once these rookies step onto an NFL field.
