Packers: Predicting top five ‘Madden 22’ ratings for defense

After predicting the Green Bay Packers’ top five “Madden NFL 22” ratings for the offense, it’s time to turn the attention over to the defense.

Ahead of this year’s game, how strong will the Packers‘ defense be?

Here are predictions for the team’s five highest ratings on defense.

Jaire Alexander: 95

A second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler last season, Alexander is one of the best cornerbacks in the league and that will translate to the video game world.

It’s scary how good Alexander has been in his first three seasons with the Packers. Another strong season and he could be candidate for the “99 Club” in the near future.

Za’Darius Smith: 90

Smith backed up a double-digit sack season in 2019 with another one in ’20, while also being voted to the Pro Bowl again. For that reason, I don’t see his “Madden” rating changing too much, placing him in the top tier of edge defenders with a 90 rating.

Adrian Amos: 89

Amos has been a reliable player at safety for the Packers. His all-around game is strong and he also comes up with some big plays, having made four interceptions in two seasons.

You could make a strong case for Amos having a rating much higher than this, but I think “Madden” will have him close to a 90 rating.

Kenny Clark: 88

Clark finished the 2020 season with an 89 rating, but this had dropped from a 90 rating he had to begin the year. His role in Joe Barry’s defense could allow him to get more sacks, and that will help his rating go up.

But in the meantime, I expect his rating to be just short of 90.

Rashan Gary: 80

If there’s a candidate for a Packers player most likely to see his “Madden” rating rise significantly during the season, it’s Gary. While he improved late in the 2020 season and has shown great potential, he needs to put it all together in 2021.

If he achieves this, his rating could move much closer to 90. But for now, an 80 rating seems fair.