Predicting the Kansas City Chiefs rookie ratings for Madden 19

Armani Watts, S

Armani Watts was probably my second favorite pick of the entire draft. I really enjoyed watching his highlights, although there were some red flags that I feel he definitely needs to improve on. Nonetheless, I think the Chiefs got a steal in a top ten safety.

OVR Prediction: 69

Best Rating: Zone Coverage (74)

Worst Rating: Man Coverage (60)

Explanation: Despite being able to cover a lot of ground, I think Watts’ coverage abilities are going to be lacking until he’s able to show some results on the field. Watts had some trouble with man-to-man coverage in college, especially with being slower. Other ratings I feel he’ll be lacking in things like his tackling, which I have at 64 and press which I have listed at 68. Overall, I predict that he’ll definitely be able to help your defense out in those head-to-head match ups and franchise games. Put some XP into him and in a season he’ll be turning heads.

Tremon Smith, CB

Tremon Smith was my favorite pick of the 2018 Chiefs’ draft class. The Chiefs definitely got a steal in my opinion. Smith was another one that I absolutely loved watching film on. Although there’s several areas he needs to work on, that’s expected for a sixth round pick. Even though he’s more than likely not going to see a heap of action, I still think he’s going to be a great asset for the Chiefs. He was a huge sleeper in the draft for me.

OVR Prediction: 66

Best Rating: Speed & Acceleration (94)

Worst Rating: Play Recognition (50)

Explanation: Play recognition is an admirable trait for cornerbacks in the Madden world. I have Tremon Smith listed near the bottom of the barrel among the Chiefs’ copious cornerback corps as far as Madden ratings go. His speed does excel, however. I feel that that will be one of his most admirable traits, behind his zone and man-to-man coverage abilities, which I have listed at 73 for both. If he’s able to impress and see a decent amount of playing time, he’ll only better his skills as a defensive back. Needless to say, I can’t wait to watch him play and I can’t wait to use him in Madden ’19.

Khalil McKenzie, OL

Khalil McKenzie turned heads at his pro day, but not because of his ability as a defensive tackle. McKenzie played DT in college for Tennessee, but after the Chiefs’ scouts saw something in him, they drafted him as a guard. This pick could go either way. He could either do exceptional as a guard, he could do ‘okay’ or it could go off as a wasted pick. Whatever the case may be, drafting Khalil McKenzie as a guard, in my opinion, was definitely an interesting yet good move.

OVR Prediction: 60

Best Rating: Strength (80)

Worst Rating: Pass Blocking (65)

Explanation: Ideally, the only two ratings an guard needs to excel at in Madden is pass blocking and run blocking, which are 65 and 71 respectively. The run blocking rating may be a little high, but I hope he doesn’t disappoint. After watching some film on him, I could see him having success as a guard. He’s one of those players who’ll definitely need to develop, both in your Madden 19 franchise leagues and as an NFL player.

Conclusion

The Chiefs’ 2018 draft class should get decent ratings in Madden ’19. Although it won’t be fantastic, I hope as the 2018 season progresses, so do the Chiefs’ rookies. I expect each of them to have decent years, both for the 2018 season and years to come. There’s just something about this draft class that really sparks my interest. Maybe it’s just the impending need for a defense that makes me love them even more. Either way, I look forward to big things from this draft class.