Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett has become the best Atlanta Falcons defender the past few years. But he apparently still has something to prove to the creators of the Madden video game.
Jarrett finished just outside the top 10 in Madden’s player ratings at defensive line for the 2024 version of the game.
Technically, Jarrett’s 86 rating tied him for 10th at defensive line. But when the video game released the list of the top defensive linemen based on player rating on July 18, Jarrett came in at No. 11.
Jarrett failed to secure a top 10 spot all for himself among defensive linemen in Madden despite posting 6 sacks, 12 tackles for loss and 17 quarterback hits in 2022.
His 17 quarterback hits were the second most in any season during his career. In 2022, Jarrett also had his most sacks since 2019.
In addition to last season, previous years can impact Madden player ratings. But Jarrett has been more than solid in that area as well.
Jarrett earned a Pro Bowl nomination in 2019 and 2020. During 2019, he made second-team All-Pro with a career-high 7.5 sacks.
Madden rated some great players above Jarrett. But it’s still disappointing he didn’t make the top 10 at his position.
Fans and analysts have sometimes referred to the 30-year-old Falcons defensive tackle as the little Aaron Donald. The Los Angeles Rams All-Pro was the top-rated defensive linemen for this year’s Madden.
Donald also made history with his 2023 Madden ranking, earning yet another 99 rating.
That’s the highest allowed in the game. Donald has earned a 99 Madden rating in seven consecutive seasons, which is a new record.
After Donald at No. 1, Chris Jones, Dexter Lawrence II and Quinnen Williams rounded out the top 4 in the defensive line Madden player ratings. Cameron Heyward and Jonathan Allen were the other two defensive linemen with a rating above 90.
Jeffery Simmons, Vita Vea and D.J. Reader also placed ahead of Jarrett.
At No. 10, Jarrett was tied with Christian Wilkins, Kenny Clark and DeForest Buckner.
Interestingly, fellow Falcons defensive lineman Calais Campbell was just behind Jarrett with an 85 rating. Campbell recorded 5.5 sacks in 2022 and has earned six Pro Bowl nominations during his career.
