What should Charles Leno be rated in the newest Madden 2019?
One of the biggest debating points amongst the release of Madden is the ratings of every player. Someone is way too high and everyone else is way too low. With the anticipation of the new video game we are going to try to project the rating for every player to start the season. Today, we look at Charles Leno.
2017 Review
At the end of last season Charles Leno was an 80 in Madden. That is a respectable rating considering the way some fans feel about Leno. However, looking at his PFF grades, his tape and sacks allowed, it is understandable.
When factoring in his run blocking grade, it could start to become argued that this is a bit low of a rating. It is worth noting that he was an 86 in run blocking, though.
Player Comparables
It is tough to find a comparable player to Charles Leno. The two closest options would be Alejandro Vilanueva and Marcus Cannon.
Vilanueva was one heck of a find by the Pittsburgh. A defensive lineman turned tight end turned left tackle has become a starter on the left side for a playoff team. Vilanueva made a Pro Bowl, but that had more to do with his name value and his story to the NFL as a former Army Ranger.
Nonetheless, Vilanueva finished his Pro Bowl season rated a 78 in Madden. He signed a 4-year $24 million extension after Charles Leno signed a 4-year $37 million deal. We can say that Vilanueva was being the generous, soldier type, but the fact of the matter is that means that he took the market rate for his play.
Charles Leno may have driven a market more, but the Steelers and Vilanueva’s agent both agreed that the Vilanueva deal should not be as much as the Leno deal.
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Marcus Cannon is a fifth round pick who starts on the right side for the New England Patriots. His injury late last season hurt their Super Bowl chances. He is rated an 84. It came a year prior to the Leno deal, but Cannon signed a 5-year $32 million deal.
So, these three players took unexpected ways into starting. Drafted as depth, or coming into the league raw, these three have worked their way up to starting caliber players. They may not be elite at their position, but they hold their own. Leno brought in the most in at his market rate of these three players.
Madden Projection: 84
This season Madden is going to wake up to Charles Leno. He was rated as an elite run blocker by Pro Football Focus. Bleacher Report called him the Bears best kept secret. The secret is starting to come out.
Madden sees their 80 rating and sees the public appreciation for Leno and knows that they have to move his rating up. The change in his perception will begin with this Madden when he starts to get some rating respect.