Packers: Projecting Madden 19 ratings for each player
Offensive line
I’m choosing to only list the five offensive linemen I think will make up the best offensive line for Green Bay when it’s all said and done. Unfortunately, that offensive line isn’t very good and it won’t be in place until Bryan Bulaga is back from injury after the season starts.
LT – David Bakhtiari – 94
The one bright spot of this unit is Bakhtiari, who is one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Bakhtiari was very underrated finishing last year as a 90 overall. It’s a great rating to have, but it doesn’t do him justice. Although he was the second-highest rated left tackle in the game behind only Joe Thomas to end the season, a 90 overall is disrespectful. I believe a 94 is fair and I’m confident he’ll be in the low-to-mid 90s ballpark. If he remains healthy all year he could easily improve his rating even more.
LG – Lane Taylor – 76
Taylor is a solid offensive lineman for the Packers. He’s nothing special, but still deserving of a starting job. There are far better guards in the league than Taylor, but also far worse. A player like Taylor would benefit greatly from a productive offense. If the Packers get the running game going early on he could see a chance to improve it. Otherwise he’s going to be an average starter.
C – Corey Linsley – 74
Much of what was said about Taylor can also be said about Linsley. He’s a veteran and can be counted on, but isn’t going to be a standout. There will probably be moments where you wish he could be better. A good rushing offense is always good for offensive linemen and would help Linsely out. Even though the Packers ran the ball well last year, it isn’t going to be enough to give Linsley a good rating just yet.
RG – Cole Madison – 70
Madison is the newest addition to the unit after being picked in the fifth round. There was talk during the draft that he could start on day one for the Packers at right guard after moving in from tackle. He may be the best option at the position, and if he performs well in the preseason I could see him getting the job. As a fifth-round offensive lineman he isn’t going to have a good rating, but I think in real life he’ll ultimately be the best option for the Packers.
RT – Bryan Bulaga – 79
Bulaga may not even be on the team when the season starts, but if he is, he’s going to be an average overall player at the position. What you see with Bulaga is what you get. He finished last year as an 80 overall. Coming off an injury is going to hurt him, and he may not even be rated this high. It’s tough to tell since he’s getting older too.