Jan 2, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) celebrates his touchdown pass with center David Andrews (60) against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

In another sign football season is right around the corner, EA Sports rolled out the ratings for Madden 23 this week. Even for those who don’t play the game, the ratings are a chance for fans to see how those nationally view the players on their respective teams.

Who are the top-rated players on the Patriots this year? While we wait for real football to return next week with training camp, let’s take a look at the numbers from Madden 23.

Note: Not every player appears in the initial version of Madden. Rosters are capped at 75 players. 

Quarterbacks

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 14: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Mac Jones: 78
Bailey Zappe: 63
Brian Hoyer: 61

Madden has Jones as the 17th-best quarterback in the NFL this season, just behind Kirk Cousins (80 overall) and ahead of Baker Mayfield and Jimmy Garoppolo (77). He’s the highest-rated quarterback from his draft class. His best individual rating is his short accuracy, which comes in at 92 (anything over 90 is considered elite). That’s tied for seventh-best in the game.

In other quarterback news, Tom Brady – who will be 45 years old when the season starts – is the highest rated QB in the game at 97 overall.

Running backs

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 28: Damien Harris #37 of the New England Patriots celebrates with Rhamondre Stevenson #38 after scoring a rushing touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium on November 28, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

Damien Harris: 82
James White: 76
Rhamondre Stevenson: 73
J.J. Taylor: 69
Pierre Strong Jr.: 68
Kevin Harris: 61

While many were touting the Patriots’ one-two duo of Harris and Stevenson last year, it appears those at Madden aren’t on the hype train. Harris is rated as the 22nd-best back in the game, while Stevenson – despite his breakout rookie season – is just outside of the top 60. Stevenson is arguably the most underrated player on the whole team this year when it comes to Madden.

During the NFL Combine this past spring, Pierre Strong ran a 4.37 40, which was the best among all running backs. He was rewarded with a 92 speed rating, which is tied for 10th-best among all running backs in the game.

Wide receivers

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 28: Kendrick Bourne #84 of the New England Patriots runs after the catch for a third quarter touchdown against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on November 28, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)

DeVante Parker: 82
Kendrick Bourne: 81
Nelson Agholor: 81
Jakobi Meyers: 80
Ty Montgomery: 72
Tyquan Thornton: 69
Lil’Jordan Humphrey: 66
Matthew Slater: 66
Tre Nixon: 64

These ratings seemingly reflect the reality of the situation at wide receiver for the Patriots – it’s crowded at the top of the depth chart. Parker, Bourne, Agholor, and Meyers are all in lock-step heading into camp, and while all will likely make the roster the division of snaps remains up in the air. That being said, Bourne feels slightly underrated here coming off an 800-yard season.

After running a 4.28 40 at the NFL Combine, Tyquan Thornton was given a 95 speed rating. That’s the fastest on the Patriots, and the ninth-fastest among all wide receivers in the game.

N’Keal Harry, who was traded to the Chicago Bears last week, has a 72 overall rating.

Tight ends

Nov 7, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Hunter Henry: 84
Jonnu Smith: 77
Dalton Keene: 66
Devin Asiasi: 65
Joe Cardona: 25

Henry’s rating might seem low, but tight end ratings were lower across the board this year. He’s tied for the ninth-best tight end in the game.

Madden still doesn’t have a category for long snappers, so they’re all listed as tight ends and given lower ratings. That’s why Cardona is here as a 25.

Offensive line

Dec 6, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) and New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) point to the Los Angeles Chargers defense during the second quarter at SoFi Stadium. Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

David Andrews: 85
Trent Brown: 84
Isaiah Wynn; 79
Mike Onwenu: 79
Cole Strange: 70
Justin Herron: 66
Chasen Hines: 64
Andrew Stueber: 63
Yodny Cajuste: 61
William Sherman: 60
Yasir Durant: 58
James Ferentz: 53

Brown (91) and Mike Onwenu (90) both got elite strength ratings. According to the game, Andrews is the team’s best run blocker, while Brown is the team’s best pass blocker.

Former Patriot Shaq Mason, now with the Buccaneers, got an 87 rating. He’s tied for being the sixth-best guard in the game. Another former Patriot, Ted Karras, is listed as a center, and has a 75 rating.

Defensive line

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 17: Christian Barmore #90 of the New England Patriots reacts after a play in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Gillette Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Deatrich Wise: 78
Christian Barmore: 77
Lawrence Guy: 76
Davon Godchaux: 74
Henry Anderson: 72
Carl Davis: 67
Byron Cowart: 63
Sam Roberts: 63
Daniel Ekuale: 60

Just like Stevenson, it appears Madden wants to see Year 2 before giving Christian Barmore a big ratings bump. Barmore is the 23rd-rated DT in the game.

Linebackers

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 26: Matt Judon #9 and Deatrich Wise Jr. #91 of the New England Patriots sack quarterback Jameis Winston #2 of the New Orleans Saints in the second quarter of the game at Gillette Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Matthew Judon: 87
Ja’Whaun Bentley: 80
Josh Uche: 74
Jahlani Tavai: 70
Mack Wilson: 70
Raekwon McMillan: 69
Harvey Langi: 68
Anfernee Jennings: 67
Cameron McGrone: 65
Ronnie Perkins: 64

After his big season last year, Matthew Judon is the 11th-rated outside linebacker in the game. He’s tied with Devin McCourty as the highest-rated player on the team.

While Patriots fans are optimistic about the group of Mack Wilson, Raekwon McMillan, and Cameron McGrone being factors in the middle of the defense, Madden is more hesitant. This highlights that while there is potential in that group, it remains untapped for now.

Cornerbacks

Oct 3, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots free safety Devin McCourty (32) celebrates with defensive back Jonathan Jones (31) and cornerback Myles Bryant (41) after breaking up a pass in the end zone during the second half of a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Jones: 81
Malcolm Butler: 78
Jalen Mills: 75
Terrance Mitchell: 73
Joejuan Williams: 72
Myles Bryant: 70
Marcus Jones: 68
Jack Jones: 66
Shaun Wade: 65

Madden seemingly isn’t knocking Butler’s rating down after he didn’t play last year. He comes in higher than the Patriots’ returning starting boundary cornerback in Mills. The developers also seem to see Williams being involved in the cornerback competition given his rating.

There’s some real speed here. Jonathan Jones and Marcus Jones both got 93 speed ratings, while Wade comes in at a 90.

Checking in on a couple of former Patriots, Stephon Gilmore received a 91 rating while J.C. Jackson got a 90. They rank seventh and ninth respectively at the position.

Safeties

Nov 18, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty (32) celebrates after an interception against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Devin McCourty: 87
Adrian Phillips: 82
Kyle Dugger: 82
Jabrill Peppers: 80
Cody Davis: 68
Justin Bethel: 68
Joshuah Bledsoe: 65

McCourty is still playing at a high level at 34 years old, and Madden recognizes that making him the seventh-best free safety in the game. He’s tied for the highest-rated player on the team with Judon.

Peppers is a player who could see his rating increase as the year goes on. He played his best football in his last full season in 2020, before missing last year with a torn ACL. The Patriots’ system fits him better than any he’s played in as a pro to this point, and that could lead to a big year if he’s healthy.

Specialists

Oct 10, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; New England Patriots kicker Nick Folk (6) and punter Jake Bailey (7) react after a field goal during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Jake Bailey: 80
Nick Folk: 78
Quinn Nordin: 65

Madden has both of the Patriots’ main specialists ranked in the top-10 at their respective positions. Bailey is the seventh-rated punter, and Folk is tied for 10th among kickers.

Quinn Nordin was waived earlier this offseason, but reverted to the team’s non-football injury list after going unclaimed. So, he still gets a rating.